,,introduction ,,to ,,our ,,bird ,,friends ,,volume #b ,text by ,l4 ,b4 ,carson ,illustrations by ,orville ,o4 ,rice ,copyright1 #aieg ,,by ,,capper ,,publications1 ,,inc4 ,printed in the ,united ,states of ,america ,,foreword ,more and more people are turning to the outdoors and the enjoyment of nature4 ,many great ,americans have been students of wild birds4 ,this is not accidental1 for few forms of outdoor recreation offer so much pleasure4 ,the season of the year will in some cases determine what birds are in your area4 ,color is important in identifying species4 ,look carefully at the silhouette or shape2 is it slender or chunky1 is the tail short or long8 ,compare its size with a bird with which you are more familiar4 ,habitat is important1 too4 ,one learns to look for ,red-winged ,blackbirds in wet marshes2 for a meadowlark in pastures and fields4 ,behavior is a clue4 ,does it walk or hop2 does it soar1 does it walk headfirst down a tree1 as is the habit of the nuthatch1 or scratch among leaves like the towhee8 ,listen to the bird's song and call note4 ,with a little experience1 distinctive songs may be identified4 ,each bird has its characteristic song4 ,bird study can be pursued with as much effort as the watcher cares to exert4 ,birds need food1 water and protection from their natural enemies4 ,you can provide these in your own yard4 ,some birds will be attracted and you can study them at your leisure4 ,other species1 those which live in swamps1 for example1 must be searched for aggressively4 ,a bird guide is a splendid investment1 considering the hours of pleasure it will bring you4 ,binoculars are a help1 too1 in studying the size1 shape1 beak1 legs and color pattern4 ,make written notes of what you see and hear1 or a dated list of species and numbers of each4 ,records will add to your own pleasure and add to the sum of knowledge on birds in general4 ,this is the second booklet on common birds of the ,united ,states published by ,capper ,publications1 ,inc4 ,each of the two volumes illustrates and describes #ej different species4 ,additional copies 7specify whether volume ,i or ,,ii is desired7 may be ordered for #be cents each as follows3 ,bird ,book ,department #b ,capper ,publications1 ,inc4 #hth and ,jackson ,streets ,topeka1 ,kansas ,white ,pelican ,pelecanus erythrorhynchos ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,soaring overhead during migration1 a flock of ,white ,pelicans is a magnificent sight4 ,these great birds weigh as much as #ae pounds1 have a wingspread of #i feet and a total length of more than #e feet4 ,their legs are sturdy but short1 the toes fully webbed4 ,the bill is long and flat with a pouch beneath the lower mandible4 ,three contrasting colors make this bird easily identified4 ,the bird is white except for the outer two-thirds of the wings where the end and rear half is black4 ,the bill1 pouch and feet are yellow or reddish-yellow4 ,the head is carried well back1 which rests the bill and pouch on the shoulders4 ,they float high on the water and when surrounded by ducks and grebes1 they look like aircraft carriers with a destroyer escort4 ,unlike the smaller ,brown ,pelican1 these birds do not dive for their food1 but form a line1 drive the fish to shallow water1 where their built-in landing nets ladle the small fry out of the water4 ,many 8crawdads0 find that an open pouch is no place to hide when these birds wave their open beaks back and forth in shallow water4 ,pelicans must have originated the game of 8follow the leader10 for in flight1 whatever the leader does1 each bird follows in turn4 ,on mammoth wings ,they wend their way1 ,on silent flight1 ,across the bay4 ,snowy ,egret ,leucophoyx thula ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,like ghosts from a bloody past1 ,snowy ,egrets have returned to add their beauty to ,american bird life4 ,woman's vanity and man's desire for money once brought these beautiful herons almost to the point of extinction4 ,the dainty recurved plumes1 which formed a part of the breeding plumage of the birds1 were known as 8cross aigrettes10 when they were sold by milliners4 ,women bought1 men slaughtered1 and egrets died1 not only for the plumes2 but the nestlings starved after the adults were killed4 ,plume hunters have departed and the birds are now found in their favorite swamps4 ,this bird has a length of #bj to #be inches1 white with black bill and legs4 ,the feet are yellow1 giving it the nickname of 8the bird with the golden slippers40 ,the young of the ,little ,blue ,heron are also white but have greenish legs1 while the bill is #b-tone1 blue with black tip4 ,the ,american ,egret is much larger and shows a yellow bill4 ,the ,snowy ,egret formerly nested in the ,deep ,south1 but is gradually extending its range to include more northern areas4 ,they are prone to wander widely after the breeding season4 ,western birders will find the ,brewster's ,snowy ,egret in their area4 ,with yellow slippers ,and spotless plumes1 ,which are more charming ,the brides or grooms8 ,green ,heron ,butorides virescens ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,anyone who spends time near a lake1 pond or stream will find this small heron1 for it is there that he secures the minnows1 frogs and crayfish which form the major portion of his diet4 ,his favorite method is to stand quietly on a partly submerged log where fish are feeding within reach of his long neck and bill4 ,a quick thrust and one course is served4 ,at other times you will see him sneaking carefully up to the water's edge1 where some slight ripple indicates the movement of fish or frogs4 ,this bird is small1 measuring only #af to #bb inches in length1 but appears even smaller until he extends his long chestnut-colored neck4 ,at a distance he appears to be black but a closer view shows a bluish or greenish tinge to the feathers1 depending on lighting conditions4 ,his legs are short and range from greenish to almost orange in color1 depending on the season4 ,the ,green ,heron builds a loosely-constructed nest1 usually not more than #bj feet above the ground1 but often some distance from water4 ,they are inclined to nest singly1 but may form loose colonies when abundant4 ,the #c to #e eggs are greenish in color and can usually be seen thru the frail structure which these birds consider home4 ,sometimes they're green ,and sometimes blue ,when reflected light ,plays tricks on you4 ,canada ,goose ,branta canadensis ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,there is something about the ,canada ,goose that demands respect4 ,farmers see him as a weather prophet for his fall flight indicates that winter is on the way1 while his spring migration tells them that warmer days will follow4 ,hunters see him as the prize game bird1 worthy of their best efforts4 ,others point to this bird as a model for man1 for his strength1 courage and fidelity leave little to be desired4 ,even the newsboy stops selling papers to watch and listen as these great birds pass over the cities4 ,americans are fortunate1 for at least one of the #e sub-species of ,canada ,geese is found in all areas4 ,they range from the ,cackling ,goose1 a small dark sub-species not much larger than a ,mallard and weighing around #c pounds1 to the huge ,western ,canada and the ,common ,canada with weights of #aj pounds or more4 ,richardson's ,goose at #d pounds and the ,lesser ,canada at #e pounds are two smaller sub-species both lighter in plumage like the ,common ,canada4 ,all show the same pattern3 black head1 neck1 tail1 feet and bill with a white cheek patch and light belly4 ,back and wings are brownish-gray4 ,the cheek patch in most types is joined beneath the chin4 ,the white of the belly extends around the tail1 making the black tail feathers distinctive4 ,the gray shows a barred effect4 ,he comes in various sizes1 ,and raises quite a din1 ,but you can always know him ,by the strap beneath his chin4 ,american ,pintail ,anas acuta ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,this duck has the widest nesting range of any species in the northern hemisphere4 ,an ,american ,pintail looks much the same whether you find him in ,hawaii1 ,europe1 ,asia1 ,alaska1 ,canada1 ,mexico or on either coast of the ,united ,states4 ,the drake is a large gray-backed1 white-breasted duck4 ,the white of the breast extends up the long neck to a point back of the brown head2 gray feathers extend up the back of the neck to the head4 ,the tail gives a clue to the name1 for the #b center feathers are long1 black and pointed4 ,the female is a mottled brown and shows a long1 thin neck1 bluish-gray feet and a pointed but not elongated tail4 ,these birds are strong fliers and do much of their courting on the wing1 the female leading a convoy of males1 each trying to outdo the others4 ,perhaps she chooses the strongest flier for her mate4 ,the male has a whistled note while the female utters a muffled quack4 ,pintails feed in shallow water where their long necks give them some advantage over the shorter-necked puddle ducks which enjoy the same habitat4 ,nests are placed on dry ground and are usually a deep hollow lined with grasses and down4 ,the site is variable and might be near or far from water1 but the ,american ,pintail will go all out to protect her young4 ,a flock of 8sprigs10 ,the hunters say1 ,as these flash by ,at break of day4 ,blue-winged ,teal ,anas discors ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,some people call this bird the 8,summer ,duck40 ,the fact he arrives late in spring and departs for his winter home before the heavy frosts indicates a desire to evade cold weather4 ,most of these ducks are well on their way to ,mexico or ,south ,america when other species begin to arrive from the nesting grounds4 ,early migration saves the lives of many ,blue-wings for hunters prefer this duck for eating4 ,their speedy flight1 their erratic twisting and turning1 their tendency to decoy--all offer a challenge to the nimrod4 ,the blue wing patch1 from which this duck derives its name1 also is shared by the ,cinnamon ,teal which replaces this bird in western areas4 ,shovellers also carry a similar marking4 ,the reddish color of the male ,cinnamon ,teal and the huge bill of the ,shoveller help distinguish the birds4 ,in the eclipse plumage1 both male and female ,blue-wings are much alike1 but by the latter part of ,october the male assumes the dark head and tail1 a crescent before the eye1 brown speckled body1 back gray-brown1 white patch on each flank with dull yellow feet4 ,the bill is bluish-black4 ,the female is brownish-gray in all plumages4 ,both sexes show the blue wing patch in any plumage4 ,he likes to muddle every puddle ,this handsome little teal4 ,you'll see him dredge along the sedge ,for there he finds a meal4 ,ruddy ,duck ,oxyura jamaicensis ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,this little duck is known by almost #ajj different names in the areas where he is found4 ,but no matter what you call him or where you find him1 he is distinctive4 ,no other duck except the ,masked ,duck1 which is found in the ,west ,indies1 has the stiff tail which often is carried erect and fanned like a miniature sail4 ,the male has a black or blackish-brown crown and nape1 depending on the season1 whether breeding or winter4 ,the bright-blue bill1 rich reddish-chestnut body and white cheek patch make the male a beautiful bird in breeding plumage4 ,in winger the male assumes the grayish-brown coloring of the female1 both showing the light cheek patch with darker crown and nape4 ,the head1 neck and feet are large for so small a bird4 ,these ducks are much like grebes in that they can dive or sink into the water1 are almost helpless on land1 and patter some distance over the water before taking into the air4 ,ruddy ducks conceal their nests in reeds or bulrushes over water4 ,eggs are larger than one would expect to find from so small a mother4 ,the male1 unlike most ducks1 seems proud to lead his little family on their quest for food and remains near while the female incubates4 ,everything about a ,ruddy sets him apart from other ducks4 ,no matter what you call him ,he's nothing like the rest4 ,and when it comes to diving ,he ranks among the best4 ,american ,merganser ,mergus merganser ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,many birds have developed beaks which help them secure their food4 ,the ,american ,merganser is no exception4 ,his beak is long and narrow and both mandibles are edged with sharp1 pointed teeth which are inclined backward4 ,the tip is covered by a nail or hook designed for catching and holding fish which form the major portion of this duck's food4 ,these birds are expert divers and the entire flock soon joins one of its members which has located a school of fish4 ,both rough and game fish are relished4 ,the male is a beautiful bird with his red bill1 greenish-black head1 black back fading to an ashy-gray rump and tail4 ,the chest1 sides and breast are white and often show a pinkish-salmon tint4 ,wings show a black and white pattern and the feet are red4 ,a large streamlined duck sitting low in the water with a white body and black trim is descriptive4 ,the female has a reddish-brown head with an elongated brushy crest1 ashy-gray back and white belly4 ,they can be confused only with the ,red-breasted ,merganser1 but in this case1 both male and female are crested and the male shows a white collar and reddish upper chest4 ,american ,mergansers are rugged and linger as far north as open water will permit securing of food4 ,like arrows winging ,from giant bow1 ,you see them flying ,straight and low4 ,marsh ,hawk ,circus cyaneus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,the ,marsh ,hawk is often called 8,harrier10 and his method of hunting would justify such a name4 ,they cover a field like a well-trained dog1 back and forth1 here and there1 cruising slowly with a deliberate flap or a slow sail on wings tipped a little above the horizontal4 ,a slight movement1 a quick pounce1 and another field mouse has joined his ancestors4 ,the white rump patch makes a good field mark1 either on the gray-plumaged male or the brownish feathers of the female or young4 ,the long wings and tail make these birds appear larger than their length of #ai to #bb inches4 ,marsh ,hawks feed heavily on rodents but include insects1 frogs or birds in the diet4 ,dead animals or birds are not overlooked1 thus causing the ,marsh ,hawk to be blamed for kills which he did not make4 ,harriers seem to take pleasure in diving at each other1 and the larger buteos1 eagles1 vultures1 prairie chickens or flocks of ducks4 ,nests are placed on the ground and are hidden by shrubs1 weeds or marshy growth4 ,the female spends much of her time with or near the young while the male is kept busy hunting food for his growing family4 ,the usual clutch contains #e white or pale-blue eggs1 lightly marked with brown spots4 ,on tireless wings ,they scan your fields ,in search of rodents ,which cut your yields4 ,bobwhite ,colinus virginianus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,this chunky little brown quail is popular in every region where he resides4 ,hunters spend thousands of dollars each year in pursuit of this feathered bombshell4 ,farmers appreciate having such an active ally in their fight against the hordes of insects which menace their crops4 ,they enjoy hearing his cheerful whistle as they go about their daily chores4 ,birders are happy to know this is one bird which offers no problem for they can list him by either sight or sound4 ,anyone can point with pride to this bird's good character for the male can1 and often does1 take charge of the brood1 teaching them how to exist in a hostile world4 ,the male shows a white throat and line over the eye1 while the female is content to wear buffy feathers which make her only a little less colorful4 ,bobwhites nest and roost on the ground and will spend their entire lives in a limited area if shelter1 food and water are available4 ,many farmers co-operate with their little neighbors by planting blackberries1 multiflora rose1 or raspberries along their fences1 not farming the last inch of every corner of the field4 ,some even leave a little milo or other grain unharvested near the edge of their fields4 ,such practices pay dividends in the harvest of insects consumed by ,bobwhites4 ,some like to shoot ,and watch him fall1 ,while others like ,to hear his call4 ,wilson's ,snipe ,capella gallinago ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,wilson's ,snipe1 frequently known as a 8,jack ,snipe10 is the most common of #c species which have extremely long1 straight bills4 ,all feed by probing in soft mud where their sensitive bills soon locate and obtain their food4 ,this bird prefers marshy areas near streams or ponds4 ,when disturbed1 he leaves the scene so rapidly that you might miss the erratic1 zig-zag flight1 the pointed wings1 the stripes on his head1 the brownish-striped plumage4 ,you might even miss the orange tail1 but you probably will hear the rasping note which he usually utters when he departs4 ,the ,woodcock1 a similar species1 feeds in dense cover and has bars across his crown1 rounded wings and a chunky build4 ,a third long-billed bird is the ,dowitcher1 which feeds in open1 shallow water and is found often in small flocks4 ,many birds are noted for unusual sounds which they make4 ,wilson's ,snipe is no exception2 however in his case it is not a vocal effort for he ranks low as a singer4 ,this bird uses a flight pattern which causes a vibration of feathers as the bird plunges diagonally downward4 ,observers have noticed the #b outer feathers of the tail seem to be separated while on such flights2 perhaps this is the clue to the unusual sound4 ,his king-size beak ,is a handy tool1 ,as he probes the mud ',round each grassy pool4 ,upland ,plover ,bartramia longicauda ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,the ,upland ,plover is a confusing bird4 ,ornithologists still are arguing about what he should be called--a sandpiper or a plover4 ,he formerly was known as a ,bartramian ,sandpiper4 ,now the trend seems to indicate that ,upland ,sandpiper is a name which fits his habits better than ,upland ,plover4 ,altho he has legs long enough for wading1 he uses them for traveling thru grasses1 not water4 ,when alighting1 he holds his wings up momentarily before folding them2 in fact most of his actions seem more like a plover4 ,whatever you call him1 he still will be found on prairies and grasslands2 marshes and mud flats have no appeal to this bird4 ,the ,upland ,plover is slightly larger than a ,killdeer and is buffy brown in color4 ,his long neck1 small head with rather short beak1 long tail1 hovering flight1 but most of all his prolonged call1 make identification easy4 ,his long-drawn1 mournful whistle seems to blend with breezes which blow above the prairies1 and once heard1 is not easily forgotten4 ,these birds once were scarce due to heavy shooting by market hunters1 who slaughtered them in great numbers4 ,they now are protected in much of their range1 but unfortunately this protection does not extend to their winter home in ,south ,america4 ,we hear your clear ,but mournful cry1 ,as you go tip-toeing ,thru the sky4 ,greater ,yellow-legs ,totanus melanoleucus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,sandpipers can be confusing1 especially in fall plumage4 ,mixed flocks require special checking even by experts1 but not the ,greater ,yellow-legs4 ,his large size1 slender build1 yellow legs1 gray upper parts1 white tail coverts and under parts can be confused only with the ,lesser ,yellow-legs 7,totanus flavipes74 ,when together1 there is no problem for the latter measures #i to #aa inches while the ,greater ,yellow-legs runs from #ac to #ae inches in length4 ,the small1 slim beak of the ,lesser is straight1 whereas the heavier bill of the ,greater seems to be slightly upturned4 ,the call is different1 for the larger bird uses a loud #c or #d note whistle4 ,the smaller uses less volume in his #a or #b note effort4 ,this sandpiper prefers mud flats and his long legs permit him to feed in deeper water where he adds minnows and crayfish to his diet4 ,he can swallow small fish but occasionally lands one which must be reduced to bite size4 ,however1 the bird is persistent and soon completes his meal4 ,the ,greater ,yellow-legs migrates thruout the ,united ,states and may be seen around any suitable habitat4 ,it nests as far north as ,alaska and ,labrador and may winter far into ,south ,america2 however many remain along our southern shores and bayous4 ,they could not miss ,when naming you4 ,those yellow legs ,gave them the clue4 ,avocet ,recurvirostra americana ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,the black and white plumage of this medium-size shore bird is distinctive4 ,a closer inspection will show long1 blue legs1 a thin1 upturned bill and in breeding plumage1 a rusty neck and head with white before the eye4 ,in winter1 the rusty markings are replaced by a gray wash4 ,european birds lack the colorful neck and head markings1 but show the black and white pattern and often are called ,awl-birds4 ,the bill gives the clue to such a name4 ,the ,avocet feeds by wading in shallow water and swinging his bill back and forth2 flocks often advance and feed in unison4 ,these birds also are capable swimmers and have been observed while feeding like puddle ducks1 tipping up and extending their heads far under water in search of insects and small crustacea4 ,avocets formerly nested as far east as ,new ,jersey but now favor the shores of ponds1 lakes and sloughs in the western areas4 ,sun-dried mud or alkaline flats often bring loose colonies of these birds1 anywhere from ,southern ,texas to ,alberta and ,british ,columbia4 ,when disturbed1 they circle overhead1 utter a series of yelping calls or feign a broken wing in order to lure you away from their nesting sites4 ,the upturned beak1 ,the legs so blue1 ,the black and white ,all point to you4 ,wilson's ,phalarope ,steganopus tricolor ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,phalaropes are unique4 ,unlike most birds1 the female is more colorful1 does most of the courting1 leaves nest building1 incubating and rearing of young to the long-suffering male4 ,her lone contribution to the rearing of the family is laying eggs4 ,she does deserve some credit1 however1 for she remains in the area and will join the male in circling overhead when the nest is disturbed1 both uttering a sort of nasal1 trumpet-like toot4 ,wilson's ,phalarope is not only the largest phalarope1 but prefers inland marshes1 while the ,red ,phalarope and ,northern ,phalarope spend more time at sea4 ,in breeding plumage1 the female shows a distinctive black line down the side of the neck1 starting in front of the eye and blending into a chestnut wash on the shoulders4 ,under parts and throat are white1 wings gray with a gray line extending thru the cinnamon buff of the back4 ,the male is grayer with a cinnamon wash on the neck4 ,in fall1 both birds show dark wings1 white rump patch and light plumage4 ,the long1 needle-like bill and the whirling motion when swimming are good clues to identification in any season4 ,when feeding in shallow water1 these birds are active1 always in a hurry and running from place to place4 ,you're just a sissy1 ,that we know1 ,for you let ,mama ,steal the show4 ,ring-billed ,gull ,larus delawarensis ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,audubon1 in #ahdj1 referred to this species as the common ,american gull1 but due to the change in habitat and increase in population1 these birds have departed from many of their former nesting areas4 ,however1 next to the larger ,herring ,gull1 it still is one of the most widely distributed4 ,these birds form breeding colonies on islands in ,northern ,united ,states and ,southern ,canada1 often sharing these sites with the ,cormorant and the ,common ,tern4 ,like other gulls1 they are not to be trusted around unprotected nests of other species1 for eggs are considered quite a delicacy in a gull's diet4 ,the black ring near the end of this bird's bill is not a good field mark unless you are near or use powerful glasses to check the specimen4 ,it looks much like a ,herring ,gull1 except for the smaller size 7#ah-bj inches71 as compared with the #bc-bf inches of the ,herring ,gull4 ,the ,ring-billed shows greenish-yellow legs1 whereas the ,herring has flesh-colored ones4 ,both birds show a gray mantle with black wing tips surrounding a white spot4 ,the ,herring shows a little more white in this respect4 ,young of the ,ring-billed are a lighter buff than most other species and show a black band near the end of the tail4 ,that little ring you're wearing1 ,tho faint1 still gives a clue1 ,when with other gulls you're flying1 ,we know it's really you4 ,great ,horned ,owl ,bubo virginianus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,the ,great ,horned ,owl1 largest of the eared owls1 is found over a wide area and may be either light or dark in color1 depending on the area where he is found4 ,all specimens show a white throat1 ear tufts and yellow eyes4 ,this bird is almost #b feet in length and can handle fair-sized animals when pressed by hunger4 ,the hoot of this bird is deeper1 slower and more uniform than that of the ,barred ,owl1 and often can be heard as a sort of conversational note between #b birds in the same area4 ,it is given as a #b-note 8,who-who10 and answered by a similar call from another bird some distance away4 ,these calls are given on a different pitch4 ,these owls nest early and often use old structures which were built by hawks1 crows or eagles4 ,hollow trees or stone ledges furnish desirable locations4 ,they are good parents and defend their home and young against all comers1 including men4 ,crows and jays take delight in heckling these owls1 but are careful to keep a safe distance1 for ,great ,horned ,owls see well in bright sunlight1 altho they do most of their hunting in darkness4 ,their diet includes almost any type of animal life available1 but rabbits1 rats1 squirrels and mice seem to be preferred4 ,some feed on starlings and pigeons which they find around city buildings4 8,who-who80 you ask ,in querulous tone1 ,when folks invade ,your woodsy home4 ,yellow-shafted ,flicker ,colaptes auratus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,people once called this bird a ,yellow-hammer4 ,lots of folks still do1 and it's but one of the many names applied to this beautiful woodpecker4 ,his brown-barred back1 black crescent on the throat1 spotted breast1 white rump patch and bounding flight1 his large size1 his loud drumming1 his posturing and his loud calls all point to this bird or1 if you live in the west1 the ,red-shafted ,flicker4 ,the latter shows a reddish tint to the wings and tail where this bird shows yellow4 ,heads of males are marked differently1 in that the western bird shows a red line extending down from the mouth1 while the ,yellow-shafted shows black lines4 ,a flicker prefers ants to any other food1 and nature has equipped him with a long1 sticky tongue which permits him to explore anthills or tunnels in trees where these insects might be lurking4 ,when ants are not available1 he turns to other insects1 fruit or berries1 one of his favorites the seeds of the poison ivy4 ,flickers usually excavate their homes in the trunks of dead trees1 the entrance about #c inches across and extending downward to as much as #bd inches4 ,both birds apply themselves to this task1 leaving small bits of wood in the bottom in lieu of other nesting material4 ,sometimes he will surprise you ,by feeding on your lawn4 ,but there you're apt to find him ,until the ants are gone4 ,red-bellied ,woodpecker ,centurus carolinus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,if you look for a red belly on this bird1 you might miss him entirely4 ,look instead for the red crown and nape1 the heavily-barred back and wings and grayish-white under parts4 ,the female lacks the red crown1 only the nape showing this brilliant coloring4 ,these birds are about the same size as ,hairy ,woodpeckers 7#i to #aj inches7 and are rather shy1 spending much of their time in wooded areas4 ,bird feeders supplied with corn and nut meats with ample pieces of suet will bring them to your yard4 ,their natural food consists of beetles and other insects1 together with a generous helping of wild fruits1 seeds1 acorns and when available1 some corn4 ,it also relishes both juice and pulp of oranges4 ,like other woodpeckers1 the ,red-bellied excavates nesting holes in trees where their #c to #e eggs are laid4 ,starlings often are waiting to take over these newly-constructed homes and form a real menace to these hard-working birds4 ,red-bellied ,woodpeckers seem to be permanent residents in suitable locations1 not migrating like flickers and ,red-headed ,woodpeckers4 ,however1 they usually are more common in southern areas with a northern limit of ,southern ,minnesota and ,delaware4 ,in deepest woods ,or near our door1 ,you seem quite happy ,with your chore4 ,red-headed ,woodpecker ,melanerpes erythrocephalus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,if all birds wore contrasting colors like the ,red-headed ,woodpecker1 identifying birds would be easy4 ,you just can't miss on this one--the red head and neck1 white under parts1 blue-black back and tail1 black wings with a broad white patch4 ,the young show a grayish-brown head but the white wing patch gives you the clue4 ,these beautiful birds once were common and nested from the ,gulf of ,mexico to the southern edge of some ,canadian provinces4 ,recent years have shown a decline in their numbers1 probably due to ,starlings taking over their nesting cavities before the woodpeckers can rear their broods4 ,another factor is their destruction by speeding automobiles4 ,these birds feed on flying insects1 and often drop down on our highways in pursuit of grasshoppers4 ,motor cars and some drivers have no respect for wildlife1 no matter how beautiful or beneficial4 ,beechnuts1 acorns1 pecans and various fruits and berries are consumed in quantity1 and a good supply often will hold these birds far north of their usual winter range4 ,most ,red-headed ,woodpeckers migrate1 and like flickers1 sometimes fly at night1 as both species have been recovered after hitting television towers4 ,they like to build ,their cozy homes ,in poles equipped ,for telephones4 ,crested ,flycatcher ,myiarchus crinitus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,flycatchers can be1 and often are1 noisy birds4 ,they seem to enjoy life and want the world to know how they feel about it4 ,the ,crested ,flycatcher is no exception4 ,to hear this bird at his best1 stroll quietly thru some heavily-wooded area4 ,you scarcely are aware of the flute-like tones of the ,wood ,thrush in the distance1 drum of the ,downy ,woodpecker1 the bubbling tones of the ,carolina ,wren4 ,all is serene4 ,suddenly a loudly-whistled 8wheeep10 followed by a series of equally loud rolling notes1 shatters the air4 ,that is the ,crested ,flycatcher4 ,you might see him sitting quietly1 peering intently at every leaf and branch1 slowly moving his head so nothing will be missed4 ,then you will see the rufous tail1 yellow belly1 olive head and back1 grayish throat and #b wing bars4 ,you might see the slight crest from which he gets his name4 ,he is a trim bird almost robin size4 ,these flycatchers will nest in most any type of hole or cavity1 even bird houses when available4 ,they prefer heavily-wooded areas4 ,they have the habit of using snakeskins either in the nesting material or draped into the entrance4 ,perhaps it makes them feel secure4 ,since ,americans are prone to leave wax paper and cellophane around picnic areas1 these birds find such materials a good substitute for snakeskins4 ,sometimes he is a rowdy2 ,more often he's demure4 ,and drapes his home with snakeskins ,to make him feel secure4 ,eastern ,wood ,pewee ,contopus virens ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,some early morning in ,may1 when the trees are filled with migrants1 take a stroll thru the woods6 ,the world is filled with bird notes and you listen to the symphony of sound4 ,then you hear a questioning whisper 8pee-a-wee10 as if some stranger wondered if he should or could make himself heard4 ,finally you locate the bird with the plaintive note and find a little flycatcher1 but since he is sitting on a well-shaded limb1 you have trouble with the markings4 ,eventually you see that he is about sparrow-size1 is a dusky olive-brown above with whitish under parts1 lacks an eye ring but shows #b distinct wing bars4 ,that is the ,eastern ,wood ,pewee4 ,western observers will find the ,western ,wood ,pewee to be a bird with nearly the same markings and habits4 ,however1 the western bird has a more nasal1 single note song4 ,tho both birds place their nests on tops of limbs1 the ,eastern ,wood ,pewee builds a shallower structure1 well covered with lichens and cobwebs1 giving it the appearance of a knot on the limb4 ,both nest in rather open situations4 ,both birds feed heavily on insects and spiders1 including many harmful weevils1 flies and beetles4 ,unfortunately they draw no distinction between useful parasites and pests4 ,on summer breeze ,we hear your call1 ,you speak your name ,but with a drawl4 ,tree ,swallow ,iridoprocne bicolor ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,the frost hardly has left the ground1 or the peepers and cricket frogs assembled their chorus1 when flocks of these swallows can be seen winging their way northward4 ,first flights include only the rugged males which arrive well in advance of their mates4 ,they also are one of the last species of swallows to migrate in the fall4 ,these birds show whitish under parts1 while the upper parts are a greenish steel-blue4 ,western observers might confuse this bird with the ,violet-green ,swallow but remember that the latter shows a conspicuous white patch on each side of the rump4 ,tree ,swallows prefer a location near water and soon will occupy holes in stumps so located3 however1 bird houses are acceptable4 ,they do not choose to nest in colonies and will defend their nesting site with vigor4 ,those who erect nesting boxes for these swallows might find it necessary to help them evict ,house ,sparrows which often take a liking to their homes4 ,flying insects form the major portion of this bird's food4 ,these include numerous mosquitoes and other insects which hatch on or near water1 for that seems to be their favorite feeding ground4 ,other foods include bayberry and wax myrtle berries1 which are sought during migration4 ,a flash of white ,with glimpse of blue1 ,we see you're back ,and welcome you4 ,cliff ,swallow ,petrochelidon pyrrhonota ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,cliff ,swallows may be found in almost any part of ,north ,america but the west offers more overhanging cliffs where they assemble in large colonies4 ,their one requirement is an ample supply of mud for their use in building the jug-shaped structure which they attach to buildings1 under bridges or overhanging cliffs4 ,mud reinforced with a few straws1 makes a sturdy home1 and when lined with feathers1 what more could a ,cliff ,swallow want8 ,house ,sparrows also find these little adobe houses inviting1 but are not popular neighbors4 ,this species is easily recognized by the buffy rump patch4 ,other markings include3 a dull white patch above the bill1 crown and back of head blue-black1 nape brownish gray1 back blue-black striped with gray1 chestnut over cheek and eye1 black patch on lower throat1 with chest flanks and sides grayish-brown with rest of under parts white4 ,these birds show more of an assortment of colors than other species4 ,it is interesting to watch these birds gathering mud for their nests4 ,always they hold their wings high above their backs and trip daintily around until they get a mouthful of mud1 but hesitate to get either their feet wet or their wings soiled4 ,with buffy rump ,and tail so square1 ,we have no doubt ,that you are there4 ,white-breasted ,nuthatch ,sitta carolinensis ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,nuthatches are one of the few 8upside-down0 birds4 ,chickadees and titmice sometimes feed by hanging below a cone or some limb which they want to explore2 woodpeckers and ,brown ,creepers may brace themselves beneath a limb1 but nuthatches seem to feel more at ease1 when coming down a tree headfirst4 ,that must be an advantage for they may see food which the climbers overlook4 ,it is amazing to see the ease with which they travel1 never using their tails as props4 ,the ,white-breasted ,nuthatch1 largest of the family1 is about sparrow-size 7#f inches71 and shows a bluish-gray back1 white under parts with blackish crown and nape4 ,beady black eyes are noticeable since they are surrounded by the white cheeks4 ,these birds seem to favor deciduous trees rather than evergreens1 the preferred habitat of the smaller ,red-breasted ,nuthatch4 ,a supply of nut meats and suet on your feeder seems to attract these birds4 ,you might decide1 after watching them for a short time1 that such a small bird could not eat such a quantity of food4 ,a further check will show that he is thrifty1 making trip after trip to hide choice morsels for future use4 ,he is never sure how long the supply will last4 ,i watch you coming ,down a tree1 ,but why you should ,amazes me4 ,carolina ,wren ,thryothorus ludovicianus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,americans are fortunate4 ,there are a lot of reasons1 but one is the fact that we have several species of wrens4 ,there is something about these birds that demands immediate attention4 ,it might be their size1 for most are small4 ,it might be their songs1 for most are good singers4 ,it might be their trim1 sleek-looking jauntiness--some might even call it cockiness4 ,these birds are popular around mansions or weather-beaten shacks4 ,for those of us who live south of the area of severe winters1 and east of the plains1 the ,carolina ,wren might be classed as a favorite bird4 ,any wooded area1 especially one with small streams running thru it1 makes ideal habitat for this songster4 ,the more tangles and brushy undergrowth1 the better he will like it4 ,if you don't happen to recognize any of his numerous songs1 his size and coloring will lead to his identity4 ,he is as large as a small sparrow 7#e to #f inches71 rufous red above with buffy under parts4 ,he shows a white line over the eye and faint wing bars4 ,the ,bewick's ,wrens and ,long-billed ,marsh ,wrens show a line over the eye1 both are smaller4 ,bewick's has white tips on the tail feathers1 while the latter shows distinct stripes down the back4 ,that cheerful song1 ,your roundelay1 ,rings thru the woods ',most every day4 ,brown ,thrasher ,toxostoma rufum ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,this long-tailed bird 7with the rufous-brown color1 white wing bars1 curved bill1 striped breast and yellow eyes7 welcomes spring with a loud and cheerful song4 ,you will see him sitting at the top of some tall tree1 throwing all his efforts into loud1 clear notes4 ,you will notice a wide variety of tones but all seem to run to couplets and triplets1 not like the steady tempo of the ,mockingbird or the more subdued tones of the ,catbird1 both of which are near relatives4 ,the next time you see him1 he is likely to be under a hedge or around a brushy area1 busily engaged in moving any leaves or other rubbish which might hide a lurking insect4 ,another favorite habitat is along the less-traveled country roads1 where he always seems to think he should be on the opposite side and makes a quick1 running flight to get there4 ,brown ,thrashers are found in suitable habitat anywhere east of the ,rocky ,mountains and sometimes spend the winter far north of their usual southern range4 ,sennett's ,thrasher is similar but is found in the southern parts of ,texas4 ,brown ,thrashers are often called 8,brown ,thrushes10 but thrushes have short tails1 a different type of song1 and prefer a different habitat4 ,you pair your notes1 ,then triple some1 ,which lets us know ,that spring has come4 ,wood ,thrush ,hylocichla mustelina ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,to know the ,wood ,thrush is to love him4 ,unfortunately he seldom visits cities unless parks or other heavily-wooded areas are found within the borders4 ,forests1 with a plentiful undercover1 offer the seclusion which this bird demands4 ,there you will hear the flute-like tones which make this bird famous as a singer4 ,it is not a continued effort2 each series of notes is followed by a rest1 allowing you to absorb the full beauty of the rounded tones--then another1 but completely different series1 sometimes higher1 sometimes lower1 but always the same pure quality4 ,some think the ,hermit ,thrush is a better singer1 but the ,wood ,thrush is a close competitor4 ,when you invade his domain he will greet you with a series of scolding notes1 but that gives you a chance to see him4 ,you will notice he is slightly smaller than a ,robin1 has a heavily-spotted breast and a rufous head1 the back wings and tail more of a reddish cinnamon-brown4 ,they nest rather low and use either mud or leaf mold in building a sturdy structure4 ,this is an eastern bird but ranges from ,minnesota1 ,ontario and ,new ,hampshire south almost to the ,gulf4 ,a few winter around the ,gulf of ,mexico but most prefer the more southern areas of ,mexico1 ,central ,america and ,panama4 ,if mortals had ,your gift of song1 ,some popular tunes ,would seem less long4 ,olive-backed ,thrush ,hylocichla ustulata ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,the ,olive-backed ,thrush and the ,gray-cheeked ,thrush are similar4 ,both show olive-brown backs1 light under parts and lighter spots than the ,wood ,thrush4 ,the ,olive-backed is slightly smaller and shows a more distinct eye ring1 buffier cheeks and breast4 ,this bird's song is a series of flute-like tones which spiral upward4 ,a4 ,d4 ,du,bois 7,m4,s4 quoted by ,bent in ,bulletin #aif-aidi-,p4 #ahd7 thinks of it as saying 8whip-poor-will-a-will-a-zee-zee-zee40 ,the ,veery's song starts high and runs down the scale1 while the ,gray-cheeked ,thrush's song1 tho similar in quality1 shows less variation and ends on a slightly higher note4 ,except a narrow range west of the ,cascades and ,sierra ,nevada mountains1 occupied by a western race1 the ,russet-backed ,thrush1 ,olive-backs can be found from ,northern ,north ,america to ,central ,south ,america1 depending on the season of the year4 ,one of the nice things about this bird is that he sings during migration1 giving bird lovers a chance to hear his song without traveling to the land of spruce1 fir and birch1 which is a favorite nesting area4 ,more than #fc per cent of this bird's food is animal matter and includes many beetles4 ,wild1 soft-skinned fruits with occasional seeds complete the diet4 ,a swirl of notes ,ascending high ,like whirlwinds ,that reach the sky4 ,blue-gray ,gnatcatcher ,polioptila caerulea ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,this tiny bird1 smaller than a chickadee1 never seems to have a quiet moment4 ,on first sight1 one is reminded of a ,mockingbird1 but not from his color1 for he is blue-gray above and whitish below4 ,it might be the long tail with the black center and white sides or perhaps it is the trim build4 ,there is a narrow1 white eye ring1 and the male shows a dark line above the bill4 ,these marks are sometimes difficult to see due to the bird's restlessness4 ,the tail seems to be constantly in motion4 ,both birds utter call notes1 a thin 8spee0 or 8zpee0 sound4 ,his song itself is faint and seldom heard4 ,these birds range from ,southern ,canada to ,guatemala and are permanent residents in some states bordering the ,gulf1 but sporadic in their northern range4 ,the ,gnatcatcher is an early migrant and can be found well into his nesting range by the middle of ,april4 ,nests sometimes are constructed in advance of egg-laying dates4 ,perhaps the bird is taking advantage of a supply of building materials which are seasonal4 ,it frequently dismantles the first nest1 using the contents in the construction of another nest in a more favorable location4 ,it is built of plant down and other materials1 bound with webs and covered with lichens4 ,a whispered 8spee0 ,from yonder tree1 ,gives us a clue ,that it is you4 ,ruby-crowned ,kinglet ,regulus calendula ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,when you hear this bird sing1 you are impressed by the beauty of clear1 but variable notes4 ,when you check the source1 you are surprised to see a tiny bird with such a big voice4 ,his short tail might lead you to believe he is even smaller than the #c to #d inches which he measures4 ,his coloring is not impressive1 being an olive-gray4 ,you might notice the distinct eye ring or the prominent wing bars4 ,if he is excited by your close inspection1 he might flash the ruby crown feathers1 from which he gets his name4 ,in fall you might think this bird was a warbler for he has some of the warbler actions4 ,he constantly flicks his wings and tail in a nervous manner1 but you will miss the tail markings of the warblers4 ,the ,golden-crowned ,kinglet is similar in size and general markings1 but both male and female show distinctive gold crown patches4 ,the ,golden-crowned seems a little more rugged and spends his winters farther north4 ,these birds nest in the spruce belt of ,canada and spend the winter in ,southern ,united ,states with scattering records as far north as ,iowa4 ,the ,western ,ruby-crowned ,kinglet is similar in appearance but has a slightly different song4 ,it frequently nests as far south as ,new ,mexico4 ,we look at you1 ,a tiny thing1 ,and marvel at ,the way you sing4 ,cedar ,waxwing ,bombycilla cedrorum ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,waxwings are the nomads of the bird world2 like gypsies1 they come and go4 ,apparently they drift southward in the fall and northward in the spring1 but have no regular migration4 ,they range from ,southern ,canada to ,central ,america but might leave when it frosts or stay thru the winter4 ,unlike some 8,knights of the ,road10 they present a neat appearance4 ,in fact the soft1 brownish-gray plumage1 fading into lighter under parts1 the slate-colored tail with the yellow tip1 the jaunty crest1 the black eye mask1 the reddish spot on the wing1 the sleek1 streamlined stance--all mark him as an aristocrat4 ,waxwings like companions and travel in flocks4 ,where you find one1 you might find a dozen or more than one hundred4 ,whether feeding or resting1 you will hear them conversing in a high-pitched1 wheezy note which is difficult to describe4 ,some refer to it as a hiss1 others as a whine4 ,when an ample supply of food is available1 ,cedar ,waxwings gorge themselves until they seem rather listless4 ,various fruits and berries are relished1 but insects and cankerworms are taken in season4 ,the ,bohemian ,waxwing is slightly larger1 grayer and shows more white on the wing and brown under-tail coverts4 ,you're just a glutton1 ,that we know1 ,for you're not one ,to eat and go4 ,warbling ,vireo ,vireo gilvus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,the ,warbling ,vireo is not colorful4 ,if you happen to see his back1 you will see he is a grayish olive-green1 slightly grayer on the head4 ,when looked at from below1 and that is the way you generally see him1 you may see a tinge of yellow on the white under parts4 ,a white line over the eye is the only other marking4 ,but don't give up2 you will note the slow1 deliberate vireo movement4 ,he loves to sing and soon you will hear a pleasing series of notes1 all connected but each note on a different pitch2 a wave of bird notes1 not hurried but clear and musical4 ,this song could be confused with that of the ,purple ,finch but the latter is slightly higher in pitch and faster4 ,unlike other vireos1 he likes to nest in the high1 deciduous trees which line the streets of cities and towns4 ,parks and farm homes also offer suitable habitat4 ,the nest is a neat structure1 placed near the end of a drooping branch on some well-developed tree2 one which is growing in the open1 for these small birds like plenty of room around their homes4 ,the male is so proud of his home he often sings while taking his turn with the incubating4 ,the ,western ,warbling ,vireo has a similar song1 seems inclined to nest nearer the ground1 but shuns evergreens4 ,his note is just a warble4 ,you cannot write it down4 ,but you are bound to hear it ,if you walk 'round the town4 ,black and ,white ,warbler ,mniotilta varia ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,warblers are an unusual family of birds4 ,some act like flycatchers and often feed on flying insects4 ,others join the vireos in searching for larvae in the thick foliage of higher trees4 ,a few mingle with sandpipers and find their food along the banks of some small stream1 while the ground-dwelling contingent share choice morsels with thrushes4 ,the ,black and ,white ,warbler is different1 for while nesting on or near the ground1 he feeds on the trunk or larger limbs of trees1 combining the upward movement of the ,brown ,creeper with reverse actions of nuthatches4 ,his is more of a swing movement1 quickly switching as if undecided whether to go up or down4 ,various beetles1 ants1 weevils1 plant lice and larvae are included in his diet4 ,this bird can be distinguished from the similar ,black-polled ,warbler by the white stripe down the center of the crown and the white line over the eye4 ,their habits and songs are different4 ,due to its feeding habits1 the ,black and ,white ,warbler does not depend on extensive foliage to furnish a supply of caterpillars1 and migrates earlier than many of this colorful family4 ,fall migration may find him lingering well into ,october1 before departing for his winter home4 ,he's black and white1 ,as you can see ,when he climbs 'round ,that rough-barked tree4 ,yellow ,warbler ,dendroica petechia ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,the ,yellow ,warbler1 commonly called 8,wild ,canary10 is the best-known member of the warbler family4 ,its breeding range extends from the northern part of ,alaska1 thru ,canada1 ,united ,states and into ,mexico1 and from coast to coast4 ,it winters as far south as ,peru4 ,unlike most warblers1 this friendly little bird seems to enjoy being near people and may nest in some shrub or bush near your home4 ,you will recognize him instantly for he is the yellowest of all our warblers1 even in confusing fall plumage4 ,the male shows pale1 chestnut streaks on the throat1 breast and sides4 ,the female may show a few obscure markings1 but not the distinct pattern worn by her mate4 ,yellow ,warblers build a compact little nest using grasses1 plant down1 wool1 cotton1 hair or feathers1 depending on available materials4 ,nests range from #c to #fj feet above ground1 with a tendency to build them low when suitable sites are found4 ,cowbirds are this bird's worst enemy for one or more ,cowbird eggs can be found in most ,yellow ,warbler nests4 ,they have learned to combat this menace by adding another story to their structure1 thereby covering unwanted eggs with a new layer of nesting material4 ,in some instances as many as #f stories have been added4 ,a sunbeam marked ,with heavier ray ,flits 'cross the yard ,each summer day4 ,northern ,water-thrush ,seiurus noveboracensis ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,it is easy to see why these warblers are called water-thrushes4 ,they resemble thrushes and usually are found near water4 ,when you see him walking down a half-submerged log or wading along the edges of a pool1 you will find he teeters like a ,spotted ,sandpiper4 ,you also will notice the dark1 olive-brown back1 yellowish stripe over the eye1 the throat and under parts buffy-yellow streaked with dark olive4 ,the slightly larger ,louisiana ,water-thrush shows a white line over the eye1 white or buffy-white under parts1 unmarked white throat with duller streaks under the body4 ,the ,ovenbird1 a near relative1 shows an eye ring1 reddish-orange crown and lacks the line over the eye4 ,western observers will find that ,grinnell's ,water-thrush is slightly larger with lighter eye lines and under parts4 ,during migration1 the ,northern ,water-thrush might appear in your yard or garden1 but edges of swamps1 ponds or streams appeal to him most4 ,to see him at his best it is necessary to invade secluded areas around cool bogs1 mountain streams or northern lakes4 ,there you will hear the loud song1 a series of clear but emphatic notes4 ,his well-hidden nest may be found by stumps or roots or moss-covered logs4 ,this funny little warbler ,likes water on his feet1 ,and when it comes to singing ,he's really hard to beat4 ,yellow-breasted ,chat ,icteria virens ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,the ,yellow-breasted ,chat is not only the largest1 but the most unwarbler-like of this colorful family4 ,if you live near thickets of dense shrubbery1 where brier tangles and brushy1 low bushes grow in profusion1 there you will find this bird4 ,he prefers low1 damp ground but does not overlook similar habitat on dry hillsides4 ,his loud and varied song will let you know when he arrives4 ,each series of notes is followed by a long pause1 and then another series1 but on an entirely different pitch2 clear-whistled notes1 low grating tones1 caws or reed-like tones all find a place in this bird's song4 ,when you invade his territory1 you will find he is elusive1 but a little patient waiting on your part will bring him out4 ,then you can check the olive-brown back and rich1 lemon-yellow breast fading to white beneath the tail4 ,the white line just above the eye combines with an eye ring1 as if he were wearing spectacles4 ,you might even see the short1 stout bill or the rounded wings4 ,its long tail gives this bird a length of #g inches4 ,he might entertain you with his clown-like antics by fluttering into the air with his head down and feet dangling1 but accompanied by some of his sweetest music4 ,a clown at heart1 ,he lets you know ,that he is pleased ,to steal the show4 ,wilson's ,warbler ,wilsonia pusilla ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,when you make this bird's acquaintance1 you will wonder why he was not called a 8,black-capped ,warbler10 for no name would be more fitting4 ,in fact1 many ornithologists now refer to him by that name4 ,those who do their birding in the ,western ,united ,states might feel the same about the ,pileolated ,warbler1 which is similar4 ,both birds show olive-green above and yellow below1 with no wing marks or other distinguishing features1 except the black cap worn by the males4 ,some females carry this mark faintly outlined1 but it is lacking on the young4 ,the western bird is slightly larger4 ,during migration this warbler seems to prefer low bushes and shrubs to the higher trees and is found around parks or bushes bordering streams4 ,they seem friendly but move so rapidly that you may miss the black cap4 ,they combine the usual warbler antics with those of small flycatchers by capturing many flying insects2 however1 they are not inclined to return to the same perch1 but hurry on their way4 ,the song is a rapid series of notes with little variation except the last tones1 which are slightly lower in pitch4 ,they nest on the ground near water or swampy areas such as sphagnum bogs of the north or alder and willow valleys of the west4 ,that little cap ,upon your head ,gives us the clue1 ,or so we've read4 ,yellow-headed ,blackbird ,xanthocephalus xanthocephalus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,eastern birders are unfortunate for only on rare occasions do they have a chance to see and study this handsome bird4 ,he is larger than the ,red-winged ,blackbird1 with which he often is associated1 but smaller than the ,grackles4 ,during migration1 they join other members of their family in feed lots1 pastures or fields and any mixed flock is worth inspecting4 ,they are identified easily for no other bird has the black body1 white wing patch and yellow head and breast4 ,the female lacks wing markings and shows dusky1 grayish-brown coloring with a yellowish tinge on lighter head markings4 ,they walk with almost a strut1 as if they were proud of their brilliant plumage4 ,yellow-headed ,blackbirds nest in colonies and affix their bulky nests to tules and other vegetation which grow in the center of marshes and swamps in western areas4 ,there seems to be a tendency to move eastward1 for a few are nesting in the marshes of the upper ,mississippi valley4 ,their song is distinctive and consists of a series of chuckles1 squeaks and grating notes1 all produced by what seems to be a great physical effort4 ,the results hardly justify such a strain4 ,your favorite call1 ,so loud and harsh1 ,would scare the frogs ,in any marsh4 ,baltimore ,oriole ,icterus galbula ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,most people are attracted to birds by one of #c things--their brilliant plumage1 a beautiful song or the way they build their nests4 ,the ,baltimore ,oriole scores in every department4 ,few birds are more colorful than an adult male1 perched on the top of some tall tree1 in full sunlight4 ,the rich-orange body glows like a living ember4 ,when you add the black of the head1 back1 wings and central tail feathers1 the white wing bar and feather edging on the wings and the orange outer feathers1 near the end of the tail1 the contrasting pattern is unique4 ,the female and young are less colorful with dull black and yellowish-orange markings and #b distinct wing bars4 ,the ,baltimore ,oriole's song is a rich melodious whistle which varies slightly when given by different birds1 but retains the oriole quality4 ,it could be confused with songs of some of the grosbeaks1 but the latter use more 8chip0 notes with their whistles4 ,western birders will find a similar quality in the songs of ,bullock's and ,scott's ,orioles4 ,for nesting sites1 they choose a spot near the end of some drooping branch1 where they construct a deep1 well-woven1 gourd-shaped structure which swings in the breeze4 ,grasses and string furnish building material4 ,a lot of grass ,and bits of string1 ,will make their home ,a wondrous thing4 ,bronzed ,grackle ,quiscalus quiscula ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,almost everyone who lives or has traveled any place east of the ,rocky ,mountains has seen this bird4 ,the chances are they call it a blackbird1 for most people do4 ,from his appearance1 they are right4 ,since there are a number of different species of blackbirds1 this one should be examined more closely4 ,when you see him walking around your yard1 you will notice he is larger than a ,robin1 has a wedge-shaped tail and yellow eyes4 ,the male often shows a keel-shaped tail1 when flying4 ,the plumage is iridescent and may show green1 blue or purple4 ,those who live along the ,atlantic coast refer to these birds as ,purple ,grackles1 a name which is becoming popular for both the eastern and western types4 ,grackles gather in huge flocks and can do much damage to unharvested crops4 ,in mixed flocks1 grackles show a more even flight pattern than most blackbirds4 ,other birds are not happy when grackles nest in their area for these birds are inclined to add both eggs and young of smaller birds to their diet4 ,credit must be given the grackle1 however1 for he mixes numerous insects with his diet of fruit and grain4 ,we watch you dunking ,crusts so thick1 ,and wonder where ,you learned the trick4 ,blue ,grosbeak ,guiraca caerulea ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,many birders seem to have trouble in listing the ,blue ,grosbeak4 ,one reason is the size1 for they are smaller than most members of this family4 ,another reason is that light conditions often make them appear black4 ,a third reason might be their choice of habitat4 ,they prefer brushy areas near some stream1 but may be found along woodland borders or hedges1 where ample brush is found4 ,they usually nest in low trees or shrubs4 ,there you probably will find the male as he sings from the top of some bush or even utility wire which crosses his territory4 ,you can see he is a deep1 but rather dull blue1 with #b chestnut wing bars4 ,the female is brown and shows #b buffy wing bars4 ,both show a heavy beak which gives them their name4 ,blue ,grosbeaks nest from ,maryland to ,california but shun the northern states4 ,they winter as far south as ,honduras and are fonder of warm weather than most members of their family4 ,the ,blue ,grosbeak has a beautiful finch-like song1 using a short series of notes which rise and fall into a sweet warble4 ,it is slower than the song of the ,purple ,finch and does not carry like the usual grosbeak song4 ,their food consists of insects and small seeds or grain4 ,the male is blue1 ,his mate is brown4 ,but neither likes ,to live in town4 ,pine ,siskin ,spinus pinus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,pine ,siskins are unpredictable4 ,some years they are numerous1 while others produce few1 if any1 in the same area4 ,food supply is not necessarily the answer1 for they are erratic wanderers4 ,these small finches seem to prefer conifers for nesting4 ,they build a neat structure1 using grass1 bark or moss with a lining of finer materials4 ,their home is well hidden by the heavy foliage near the end of a limb4 ,the eggs are a pale bluish-green1 dotted with brown or black markings1 more colorful than the pale blue eggs of the ,american ,goldfinch4 ,siskins resemble goldfinches in their notes1 flocking habits and size1 but can be identified by the uniform1 striped appearance4 ,they have semi-concealed yellow patches near the body on both wings and tail4 ,goldfinches show clear breasts in any plumage4 ,birders have found the best clue to the identity of this bird is the long buzzy note which forms a part of his song4 ,his notes are husky in quality4 ,in winter siskins mingle with other finches in harvesting weed seeds4 ,other food consists of seeds of various trees such as ash1 birch or elms1 together with leaf buds4 ,most of their summer is spent in evergreens which offer not only the nesting sites but food necessary for growing families4 ,that buzzy note ,makes it a cinch ,to know you're not ,another finch4 ,red-eyed ,towhee ,pipilo erythrophthalmus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,towhees inhabit thickets1 bushes and brushy areas1 and spend most of their time scratching thru litter which covers the ground in such locations4 ,when disturbed1 they usually utter the call note which gave them their name4 ,opinions differ as to sounds made1 so these birds are referred to as 8,towhees10 8,jorees0 or 8,chewinks40 ,some call them 8,ground ,robins10 since they feed on the ground and a part of their plumage resembles that of our ,robins4 ,towhees are smaller than ,robins4 ,the male shows #c distinct colors2 the head1 throat1 back1 wings and tail are black2 sides are rusty1 and the belly1 outer tips of the tail and wing spots are white4 ,the female is browner but easily identified by the color pattern4 ,western birds are called ,spotted ,towhees1 since their wings and backs show more white feathers4 ,both have red eyes4 ,those who do their birding along the coast from ,south ,carolina to ,florida will find birds with lighter irises and referred to as ,white-eyed ,towhees4 ,these birds nest on the ground but do most of their singing from tops of trees4 ,songs vary and may include a series of notes or #a or #b notes followed by a trill4 ,when he's near you will hear ,a loud rustling sound1 ,for he rakes as he takes ,choice food from the ground4 ,vesper ,sparrow ,pooecetes gramineus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,several kinds of sparrows can be found in open fields1 along roadside fences and hedgerows1 but the ,vesper ,sparrow is easiest to identify4 ,if you should miss the chestnut patch on the bend of the wing or the white belly1 bordered by fine lines1 you still will notice the white outer-tail feathers4 ,the back is a light grayish-brown with dark stripes4 ,juncos and pipits also have white outer-tail feathers1 but adult juncos show no stripes and pipits walk instead of hop4 ,western ,vesper ,sparrows show less brown in their plumage1 some being almost a light gray1 but still show darker lines on their backs1 sides and breasts4 ,these birds use grass and small roots in building their nests1 which usually are in or near a clump of grass4 ,their eggs are grayish white1 heavily marked with brown4 ,vesper ,sparrows are good singers4 ,their best efforts seem to be late in the evening1 when dusk replaces the fleeting shadows2 their musical notes add a fitting benediction to the dying day4 ,this chorus accounts for the name4 ,songs vary1 but usually start with #b pairs of long melodious notes1 the second pair higher in pitch1 then a series of rapid notes beginning still higher1 then coming down the scale to end in a soft warble4 ,you might have been a junco ,from markings on your tail1 ,but you prefer the prairies ,where breezes never fail4 ,lark ,sparrow ,chondestes grammacus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,these large sparrows are easily identified4 ,no other sparrow has a white border around the tail or the distinctive chestnut and white head pattern4 ,another mark is a distinct1 dark spot on the breast4 ,clay-colored ,sparrows show a similar head pattern but lighter parts are grayer and the cheek patch is duller1 more brown than chestnut4 ,the latter-named bird has no spot on the breast4 ,lark ,sparrows prefer open areas along country roads1 old orchards or pastures with scattered trees or bushy hedges4 ,such habitat furnishes nesting sites and a plentiful supply of insects1 small seeds and grit for their use4 ,altho usually a common species within its range1 these birds are inclined to be erratic and might be scarce one season and abundant the next1 with no apparent reason4 ,they nest on or near the ground but like to sing from a more elevated perch such as a fence1 bush or tree4 ,some sing while hovering in the air4 ,they cover a wide range but populations vary from year to year4 ,their song is a series of melodious notes1 varying in pitch but seeming to include a few 8churrs0 which are quite distinctive4 ,songs vary between birds1 each bird giving a wide variety of notes in a short period of time4 ,you like the pastures ,with scattered trees1 ,where you can live ,a life of ease4 ,chipping ,sparrow ,spizella passerina ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,chipping ,sparrows are not only the friendliest1 but one of the best-known ,american sparrows4 ,the reason is apparent1 for yards1 gardens and parks furnish ideal habitat for these birds4 ,they often nest in vines or bushes just outside your window4 ,nesting materials include grasses1 rootlets and hairs1 horsehair being used extensively1 when available4 ,their fondness for a horsehair lining in the nest sometimes leads to casualties when either parents or young become entangled4 ,chippies derive their name from their songs1 a series of chip notes which they utter4 ,this is a rapid1 unmusical series of notes1 all on the same pitch4 ,they frequently join the ,robins to start the day with song4 ,juncos and some of the warblers also use a series of chip notes in their songs1 but with more variations and more musical in quality4 ,they feed heavily on insects and larvae1 including various caterpillars1 beetles1 ants and plant lice4 ,vegetable food amounts to a little more than half their diet and includes seeds from grasses and weeds4 ,crab grass seeds seem to be a favorite4 ,western ,chipping ,sparrows are slightly larger and paler but show the rusty cap1 black beak and other markings which are distinctive4 ,that chestnut cap1 ,white line below1 ,black thru the eye1 ,that's you1 we know4 ,white-crowned ,sparrow ,zonotrichia leucophrys ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,white-crowned ,sparrows are known only as migrants or winter residents to birders living east of the ,great ,plains4 ,westerners are more fortunate for ,white-crowns and the similar ,gambel's and ,nuttall's ,sparrows nest in much of their area4 ,when flushed from their feeding grounds1 these birds will impress you by their alert appearance4 ,the habit of erecting the crown feathers makes the head appear round and puffy1 and brings out the beauty of the broad black and white stripes which surround the white crown4 ,these birds have a gray throat and breast1 #b wing bars1 grayish-brown backs with darker stripes4 ,the feet and bill are pinkish4 ,a white line over the eye of the ,white-crowned ,sparrow does not extend to the beak1 as it does on ,gambel's and ,nuttall's4 ,nuttall's ,sparrow has a yellow bill4 ,white-throated ,sparrows often are found in mixed flocks with ,white-crowns1 but the former show a distinct white throat patch1 have flatter heads1 and a yellow spot between the bill and eye4 ,the beak is dark4 ,white-crowned ,sparrows are good singers4 ,their songs vary but usually start with a clear but plaintive whistle4 ,western varieties sing differently but have a similar quality4 ,when winter takes ,an angry mood1 ,you visit us ,in search of food4 ,song ,sparrow ,melospiza melodia ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,song ,sparrows literally sang themselves into a name1 for few birds sing so persistently4 ,to ,thoreau these birds seemed to say3 8,maids6 maids6 maids6 hang up your teakettle-ettle-ettle40 ,to you it may sound differently1 but you still will hear the sharp notes with which he starts his song4 ,these are on the same pitch with a slight pause between each note4 ,from there1 the song is variable and may contain trills or assorted notes on various pitches4 ,one bird may produce several different songs4 ,these birds prefer brushy or weedy areas near water but may nest near your home if a bird bath is handy4 ,no other bird seems to take as much pleasure from bathing4 ,there are numerous geographic forms of this bird1 which accounts for wide variation in colors and sizes4 ,the ,desert ,song ,sparrow is light while others are almost as rusty as ,fox ,sparrows4 ,all ,song ,sparrows are heavily striped1 and show a distinct spot in the center of the breast1 and a dark line on each side of the throat4 ,there is a gray stripe thru the crown and a broader line over the eyes4 ,they usually migrate in ,march and ,october but wintering birds often are found in the nesting range4 ,it's plain to see ,why you're so clean4 ,you take a bath ,in every stream6 ,lapland ,longspur ,calcarius lapponicus ,illustration3 uncaptioned ,lapland ,longspurs are birds of the far north1 nesting as they do in the arctic and sub-arctic regions of both eastern and western hemispheres4 ,they visit us only in the winter when deep snow and bitter cold drive them from their homes4 ,flocks of these sparrow-sized birds may be found in open fields1 prairies and pastures1 feeding on whatever seed or small grain is available4 ,they run rapidly1 ever on the search for more food1 and may be joined by ,horned ,larks at good feeding spots4 ,they seem nervous and take wing frequently1 circle here and there and often return to the same location4 ,they have a rolling1 erratic flight which reminds one of blowing leaves4 ,in breeding plumage these birds display a lot of color4 ,the male has a black head and chest1 rufous nape1 back and sides heavily striped and a white belly4 ,a buffy stripe behind the eye drops down the neck and backward along the sides of the chest4 ,in winter you will see a brownish bird with blackish streaks and white under parts4 ,in their eagerness to return to their northern homes1 ,lapland ,longspurs often suffer heavy losses because of wet spring snows4 ,their song is varied and sweet4 ,like blowing leaves1 ,you come and go ,across the prairies ,flecked with snow4 ,,index ,,page ,,when ,,the ,,birds ,,may ,,be ,,seen ,jan4 ,feb4 ,mar4 ,apr4 ,may4 ,jun4 ,jul4 ,aug4 ,sep4 ,oct4 ,nov4 ,dec4 ,avocet #g 44 44 4444 4444 44 ,blackbird1 #bj 44 444 ,yellow-headed ,bobwhite #e oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo ,chat1 #ai oooo oooo oooo 4444 4444 4 ,yellow-breasted ,duck1 ,ruddy #d 4444 4444 44oo oooo o444 444o oooo 4444 ,egret1 ,snowy #a 44 4444 4 ,flicker1 #i oooo oooo oooo ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx oooo oooo oooo ,yellow-shafted ,flycatcher1 #aa 4o oooo oooo oooo oooo 44 ,crested ,gnatcatcher1 #ae 4ooo oooo oooo oo44 4444 ,blue-gray ,goose1 ,canada #b 4444 4444 4ooo oo44 444 4444 4444 ,grackle1 ,bronzed #ba 4444 4444 o,x,x,x ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,x,xoo oo44 4444 ,grosbeak1 ,blue #ba 4444 4444 4444 ,gull1 ,ring-billed #h 4444 4444 4ooo oooo o4 4444 4ooo oo44 4444 ,hawk1 ,marsh #e ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx oooo oooo oooo ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,heron1 ,green #b 4 44oo ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx oooo 44 ,kinglet1 #af 4444 4444 444o oooo oo4 4oo oooo 4444 4444 ,ruby-crowned ,longspur1 ,lapland1 #be oooo oooo oo44 44oo oooo ,merganser1 #d ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,x,x,xo oo44 4 4 44o,x ,,xxxx ,american ,nuthatch1 #ac 4444 4444 4444 4444 4444 4 4 4444 4444 ,white-breasted ,oriole1 ,baltimore #bj 4o ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx oooo o4 ,owl1 ,great-horned #i ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,x,xoo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oo,x,x ,,xxxx ,pelican1 ,white #a 44oo oo44 4444 44 44 oooo oo44 ,pewee1 ,eastern #aa 4ooo oooo oooo oooo 4444 ,wood ,phalarope1 #h 44 oo4 4 444 ,wilson's ,pintail1 ,american #c ooo,x ,,xxxx ,x,x,xo oooo 44 4 4444 4ooo ,,xxxx oooo ,plover1 ,upland #f 444 oooo oooo oooo oooo 4 ,siskin1 ,pine #bb 4444 4444 4444 oooo o4 4444 4444 ,snipe1 ,wilson's #f 44 444o oooo 4 44 4444 4444 ,sparrow1 ,chipping #bd 4 oooo ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx oooo 4444 44 ,sparrow1 ,lark #bc 4 4ooo ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ooo4 ,sparrow1 ,song #be ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,xoo4 444 oo,x,x ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,sparrow1 ,vesper #bc 4444 4444 4444 4,,xxx 4 oooo 4444 4444 ,sparrow1 #bd 4444 4444 4444 44oo ,xo44 4444 4444 4444 ,white-crowned ,swallow1 ,cliff #ab 4oo ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,x,x,xo 4444 44 ,swallow1 ,tree #ab oooo o44 4 4444 444 ,teal1 ,blue-winged #c 44oo ,,xxxx ,,xxxx oo44 4o ,,xxxx ,x,x,xo 44 ,thrasher1 ,brown #ad 4444 4444 4444 o,x,x,x ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx oooo oooo oo44 4444 4444 ,thrush1 #ae 4o ,x,x,xo 4 444 44 ,olive-backed ,thrush1 ,wood #ad 4 o,x,x,x ,,xxxx ,xo44 4444 4444 4 ,towhee1 ,red-eyed #bb 4444 4444 4444 oooo oooo oooo oo44 4444 4444 4444 4444 4444 ,vireo1 ,warbling #ag 4o ,,xxxx ,,xxxx oo44 4444 4444 ,warbler1 ,black #ag 4o oooo 44 44 and ,white ,warbler1 ,wilson's #ai 4oo4 4444 ,warbler1 ,yellow #ah 4o ,,xxxx ,x,xoo oo44 444 44 ,water-thrush1 #ah 4 oooo 4 444 444 ,northern ,waxwing1 ,cedar #af oooo ,,xxxx oo44 4444 4444 4444 44 4444 44oo oooo ,woodpecker1 #aj ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,red-bellied ,woodpecker1 #aj 4444 4444 4444 44oo ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,,xxxx ,x,x,xo 4444 4444 4444 ,red-headed ,wren1 ,carolina #ac oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo oooo ,yellow-legs1 #g 4oo ,,xxxx ,xo4 4 oooo oooo oo44 4 ,greater 4 ,the dot or period indicates the bird is seen occasionally4 o ,the small o shows the bird is seen more frequently4 ,x ,the capital ,x shows the bird is seen commonly4 ,for example1 during ,january and ,february1 the ,bronzed ,grackle is seen rarely4 ,the first week in ,march1 it is seen more frequently1 after which it is seen commonly until the middle of ,october4 ,the table is based on bird census figures collected within a radius of #ej miles of ,topeka1 ,kansas4 ,your area may show different results4 ,kansas ,farmer ,missouri ,ruralist ,the ,topeka ,daily ,capital ,,wibw ,,wibw-,,tv ,the ,kansas ,city ,kansan ,,state ,,journal ,capper's ,weekly ,michigan ,farmer ,the ,ohio ,farmer ,pennsylvania ,farmer ,,household ,capper's ,farmer ,capper ,publications1 ,inc4 ,,eighth ,,and ,,jackson ,,street1 ,,topeka1 ,,kansas ,transcriber's ,notes --,silently corrected a few typos4 --,retained publication information from the printed edition3 this e,book is public-domain in the country of publication4 --,in the text versions only1 text in italics is delimited by underscores4