! FOR THE PEOPLE FOR EDVCATION FOR SCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY State of Connecticut State Geological and Natural History Survey Bulletin No. 20 THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT By JOHN HALL SAGE, M.S. Secretary of the American Ornithologists' Union and LOUIS BENNETT BISHOP, M.D. Fellow of the American Ornithologists' Union assisted by WALTER PARKS BLISS, M.A. yS>l(tle of ©onncciicui PUBLIC DOCUMENT No. 47 State Geological and Natural History Survey COMMISSIONERS Simeon Eben Baldwin, Governor of Connecticut (Chairman) Arthur Twining Hadley, President of Yale University William Arnold Shankhn, President of Wesleyan University Flavel Sweeten Luther. President of Trinity College (.Secretary) Charles Lewis Beach, President of Connecticut Agricultural CoUege SUPERINTENDENT William North Rice Bulletin No. 20 Hartford Printed for the State Geological and Natural History Survey 1913 o PunucATioN Approved by the EoARD OF Control The Case. Lockwood & Brainard Ct.. Hartford. Conn. The Birds of Connecticut By JOHN HALL SAGE, M.S. Secretary of the American Ornithologists' Union and LOUIS BENNETT BISHOP, M.D. Fellow of the American Ornithologists' Union assisted by WALTER PARKS BLISS, M.A. HARTFORD Printed for the State Geological and Natural History Surrey 1913 Contents PAGE Introduction ....... 7 Part I. Catalogue of the Birds of Connecticut . - 13 Appendices to Part I - - - - - 183 1. Catalogue of Introduced Species and Doubt- ful Species - - - - - - 183 2. Statistical Summary - - - - 190 3. List of Observers referred to by initials or by surnames - - - - - 196 4. Bibliography ..... 200 Part II. Economic Ornithology ----- 259 Introduction Facing Long Island Sound for practically all of its hundred ■liles of southern border, Connecticut shows a succession of low, rocky promontories and sandy beaches divided by shallow bays and salt marshes. The latter stretch for varying distances north- ward, but soon give place to rather broad stream valleys, sepa- rated by gently rising hills. These hills, usually low and rounded at the coast, when not dikes or sheets of trap, as near New Haven, become rapidly more mountainous in the northwestern part of the state, culminating in Bear Mountain in the extreme comer, 2,354 feet in altitude and sixty miles from the Sound. The soil of these hills is usually poor and shallow, while that of many of the valleys is deep and rich, so that, while the low- lands are well cultivated and thickly settled, the uplands are gen- erally left to brush land or forest. From this configuration it will be evident that most of the streams are short and flow in a south- erly direction. Three main river courses cross the state: — the Thames on the east, which for its lower quarter is practically an arm of the sea, and above that hardly more than a small stream; the Connecticut, which passes through the center, in a broad and fertile valley in its upper course, and in a narrow valley hemmed in by highlands below Portland ; and the Housatonic in the western part, with a narrow and much more mountainous valley. Appar- ently the Connecticut and upper Housatonic valleys and the south- em coast line are highways for the migration of our birds in spring, and the coast line certainly is in fall, but our information on this point is at present very incomplete. The woodland consists chiefly of deciduous trees, though hem- locks and cedars are common, and groves of white pine and spruce still exist in the northwestern portion. Shut off from the ocean by Long Island, strictly pelagic birds are seldom found in Connecticut, but for many other species it is particularly fitted as regards climate and topography. Over 135 8 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. species nest more or less regularly within its borders, and it is probable there are few localities in our country where so many can be found within so circumscribed an area. Almost the entire state lies in the Alleghenian Zone, where such birds as the RuflFed Grouse, Red-shouldered Hawk, Kingbird, Least Flycatcher, Bobo- link, Baltimore Oriole, Goldfinch, Towhee, Indigo Bunting, Scar- let Tanager, Red-eyed, and Warbling Vireos, Black and White, Yellow, and Chestnut-sided Warblers, Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Chickadee. Wood, and Wilson's Thrushes, nest abundantly. Along the southern border and for some distance up the Housatonic and Connecticut valleys, the breeding, often in abundance, of such species as the Clapper Rail, Fish Crow, Acadian Flycatcher, Orchard Oriole, Seaside Sparrow, White-eyed Vireo, Worm- eating, Blue-winged. Prairie, Hooded, and Kentucky Warblers, Louisiana Water-thrush, and Yellow-breasted Chat brings this dis- trict within the northern limits of the Carolinian Zone ; while the occasional, and in some cases regular, breeding of the Canadian Rufifed Grouse, Goshawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Alder Fly- catcher, Savannah, and White-throated Sparrows ( ?) , Blue-headed Vireo. Black-throated Blue, Magnolia (?), Blackburnian, and Canadian Warblers. Winter Wren (?), Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Hermit Thrush, in the northwestern part of Litchfield County, shows at least strong Canadian elements in the avifauna, though it may not be enough to include that district in the Canadian Zone. Interest in our birds must have existed among many in the earlier days of Connecticut, and scattered references to them may be found in many volumes ; but the first definite list of the birds of the state was written by the Rev. James H. Linsley, of Strat- ford,^ and published in the American Journal of Science and Arts in 1843. He recorded 302 species, but of these Dr. Merriam^ con- cluded that only 239 distinct species had been reported on satis- factory evidence. He recorded several birds that have not since been reported from our state, and some of his specimens are still in the Peabody Museum of Yale University, and others in the collection of the Bridgeport Scientific Society. » A Catalogue of Birds of Connecticut, arranged according to their natural families; by the Rev. James H. Linsley. Am. Jour. Set. and Arts, vol. xliv. No. 2, pp. 249-74, April, 1843. ' Merriatn, R«view of the Birds of Connecticut, p. 144. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 9 Thirty-four years later Dr. C. Hart Merriam prepared a list with copious and valuable annotations, which was published in the Transactions of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Science in 1877.^ This work is a model of its kind, but has been long out of print. Dr. Merriam was able to notice 291 species with good claims to inclusion in our avifauna; and of these several have not been taken since in our state. Thirty-four years have again passed, during which enormous strides have been taken in the knowledge of the birds of our entire country. \Ye wish we could say the knowledge of Con- necticut ornithology had kept pace. But it has not. The birds of certain localities near the larger cities are well known, but there are still large districts — in fact the greater portion — of the state from which no records have reached us. Ornithologists in Con- necticut are far too few, and many of them have little time to devote to this study ; but all have responded most generously to our appeal for assistance, as the following pages will show. This list is based primarily on the notes and collections of Mr. Sage and Dr. Bishop, obtained through field work in Connecticut dur- ing the past 45 and 30 years respectively. The migration dates for Portland and New Haven, given without quotation of author- ity, are taken from their field notes, as are all other statements and dates for which the name of the authority is not cited. Practically all the other records from the western portion of the state and from New London were given to Dr. Bishop, either in the form of specimens, by notes, or by word of mouth, by the gentlemen to whom they are accredited ; and he is entirely re- sponsible for the chapter on Economic Ornithology. For the citation of most of the other published and unpublished records Mr. Sage is to be credited, while Mr. Bliss has found some in ornithological literature. To Mr. Bliss has fallen the task of tabu- lating Mr. Sage's records of the past 45 years, which press of other duties prevented Mr. Sage doing himself, searching ornitho- logical works for records, preparing much of the bibliography, as well as the index, etc., and combining all the notes into as harmonious a whole as is possible in a work of this character. For cordial cooperation and assistance our hearty thanks are due to Prof. A. E. Verrill, Dr. Leonard C. Sanford, Rev. Her- > Review of the Birds of Connecticut with Remarks on their Habits, by C. Hart Merriam. Trans. Conn. Acad., vol. iv, pp. 1-150, July, 1877. lO CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. bert K. Job, Harry W. Flint, J. B. Robertson, Qarence R. Hooker, Aretas A. Saunders, Clifford H. and Dwight B. Pang- burn, Philip L. Buttrick, and Alfred W. Honywill, Jr., of New- Haven; Lewis B. Woodruff and Prof. C. C. Trowbridge, of New York; William H. Hoyt, Louis H. Porter, and John Schaler. of Stamford; Dr. E, H. Eames, Henry W. Beers, and George L. Hamlin, of Bridgeport; Jesse C. A. Meeker, of Danbury; E. H. Austin, of Gaylordsville ; H. Cornelius and Robert C. Judd, of Bethel ; James H. Hill, of New London ; Alanson Ganung, of West Haven ; Willard E. Treat, of East Hartford ; C. G. Plart, of East Berlin ; and many others ; who have contributed records of value. Mr. Walter R. Nichols, often mentioned in Dr. Mer- riam's catalogue, also gave his ready help, but him our thanks can no longer reach ; and the same is true of the late Mr. E. Sey- mour Woodruff, whose initials appear so frequently in the fol- lowing pages. A careful and conscientious observer, with won- derfully keen eyes and ears, an enthusiastic and able naturalist, a firm friend and a delightful companion, he was taken at the beginning of a most promising career, leaving all who knew him to mourn him. We wish also to add our tribute to the faithful- ness and reliability of Judge John N. Clark, \vho died in 1903, and whose letters and published records are often quoted in this Bulletin. A thorough and painstaking ornithologist, he did more perhaps than any one else to increase our knowledge of the breed- ing habits of certain birds along the southern border of Con- necticut. That this list is in many ways unsatisfactory and incomplete the authors realize all too well ; but they hope that it may be a stimulus to others to fill up the gaps by conscientious collecting, never being satisfied with an " opera-glass record " of any spe- cies that is at all rare, or with which they are not perfectly familiar. Field-glasses are of great assistance in the study of the habits of birds, and in identifying species with which one is already familiar; but every field ornithologist knows that the play of light and shadow often distorts colors and size so that the bird in the hand may prove a very different species from what it appeared in the tree. Therefore records of species out of their accustomed habitat should always be received with doubt unless accompanied by the bird itself. No one need fear that Mo. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. II such collecting will prevent a species from establishing itself in our state; for experience has shown that birds have their nat- ural limits, within which alone they can rear young successfully, and that the reason any given species of North American bird does not nest with us is that for some cause it finds the conditions in the season of reproduction unfavorable, or that it is unable to survive our winters, unless it is destroyed for sport or millinery. The vain attempts of the Carolina Wren to obtain a foothold in southern Connecticut are a case in point. Practically all our exact knowledge of the usefulness of birds has been obtained by the labor of ornithologists, often undertaken without thought of pecuniary reward ; and it seems the height of ingratitude and folly to impede their future work by the imposition of burdensome regulations regarding collecting, or to forbid collecting entirely, as has been done by some legislatures. For, if there is one thing that is evident to those who have done much field work in ornithology, it is that the collecting of birds and eggs for scien- tific purposes, even by boys, can never appreciably reduce their numbers, as long as they are protected from too much slaughter in the name of sport, and their eggs and young are guarded from cats, which probably do as much damage to the young of our small useful birds near our towns and cities as all other agencies combined. Part I Catalogue OF THE Birds of Connecticut Catalogue of the Birds of Connecticut. Order PYGOPODES. Diving Birds. Suborder COLYMBI. Grebes. Family COLYMBID^. Grebes. Colymbus holboelli (Reinhardt). Holboeirs Grebe. A rare winter resident of Long Island Sound from November to March ; very rare inland. Earliest record. Portland, Oct. 30, 1895. Latest record. Portland, May 3, 1889. Connecticut records. Linsley recorded this species from Strat- ford;^ Oct. 19, i860, Hartford, one shot (reported by Dr. Crary) ;^ Feb. 23, 1875, Saybrook, one taken (J. H. S.) ; Feb. 21, 1885, New Haven (G. E. V., in Peabody Museum) ; spring, 1887 ( ?), Milford, one taken (in coll. of L. C. S.) ; May 3, 1889, one ; April 14, 1894, one; Oct. 30, 1895, one, Portland (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Nov. 16, 1895, Stony Creek, female taken (E. M. Cooper, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Feb. 20, 1899, Bridgeport, young male taken (J. H. Canfield, in coll. of Mr. Beers) ; Feb. 27, 1902, Saybrook, one taken (J. N. C.) ; Jan., 1904, New Haven (in coll. of L. C. S.) ; April, 1904, Kent, one shot (recorded by H. K. J.) ;* Jan. 26, 1905, Danbury, one picked up exhausted and kept some time (Bristol, recorded by J. C. A. M., now in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Feb. 6, 1908, Gaylordsville, one found alive (G. A. Clute, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Dec. 28, 1909, one; Oct. 15, 1910, Portland, one (in coll. of J. H. S.). Colymbus auritus Linnaeus. Horned Grebe. Formerly a common fall migrant and winter resident on Long Island Sound from October to May ;^ much rarer in recent years. Never common in the interior of the state. ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 137. 2 Job, The Sport of Brrd Study, p. 28S. l6 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 12, 1882; Portland, Oct. 19. 1877- Latest record. New Haven, March 16, 1894; Portland, May 2, 1889. Recent records. Nov. 6, 1905, Sept. 28, 1906, Litchfield (E. S. W.) ; Nov. 3, 1906, Guilford (L. B. B.) ; Oct. 6, and Nov. 9, 1906, Stony Creek (L. B. B.) ; May, 1906. Litchfield (H. K. J.) ;i Oct. 21, 1907, New Haven (A. A. S.) ; Feb. 25, 1909, Portland (J. H. S.). Breeding records. Mr. Job believes a pair bred in Litchfield County in 1906. The following specimens in breeding plumage are recorded for this state: North Haven, April 24, 1883; New Haven, May, 1888 (L. C. S.) ; Portland, May 3, 1889 (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Stamford, May 8, 1893 (in coll. of Mr. Porter). The Horned Grebe has been recorded from the following inland localities: Haddam (J. H. S.) ; Litchfield (E. S. W. and H. K. J.) ; Melrose (C. A. Thompson) ;- Portland (J. H. S.) ; East Hartford (W. E. T.). Podilymbus podiceps (Linneeus). Pied-billed Grebe. A common fall migrant in September and October on fresh- water ponds and on the creeks of the tide-water marshes. Very rare in the spring. Average fall migration. Sept. 15 — Oct. 20. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 30, 1895 ; Portland, Sept. 10, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 25, 1882; Portland, Nov. 22, 1893. Spring records. April 7, 1892, Stratford (C. K. A., in coll. of Bpt. Sci. Soc.) ; April 13, 1895, and April 19, 1905, Portland (J. H. S.) ; April 12-14, 1906, New Haven (A. A. S.) ; April 2-23, 1910, West Haven (H. K. J.) ; May 6, 1910, West Haven (L. B. B.). Breeding records. E. H. A. informs us that he has seen this bird almost every month in the year on the ponds in Litchfield County, and believes that they breed there. Mr. N. D. Betts of Boulder. Colo., records^ seeing five adults on a pond in Wilton, ijob, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 287. 'O. and O., viii, i, p. 3- ^Bird-Lore, xii, 5, p. 199. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I7 Conn., July 21, 1909, one of which was feeding four young. These young did not appear to be over five or six inches long, and must have been hatched at the pond. Merriam^ and Samuels^ both note that this species breeds within the state, though neither mentions any specific records. Suborder CEPPHI. Loons and Auks. Family GAVIID^E. Loons. Gavia immer (Briinnich). Loon. Great Northern Diver. A common winter resident of Long Island Sound from Novem- ber to May, the majority going farther south in the winter. Occa- sional on the inland waterways. \'ery rare in the summer. Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 10, 1883 ; Portland, Sept. 26, 1892. Latest record. New Haven, May 24, 1900, and 1907 (C. H. P.) ; Portland, July 6, 1893. Inland records. Portland, Dec. i, 1874, Dec. 2, 1877, Nov, 7, 1890, Sept. 26, 1892, July 6, 1893; Litchfield, Nov. 6, 1905, and Sept. 28, 1906 (E, S. W.) ; Lake Waramaug, Litchfield County (no date given) f East Hampton.* Breeding records. ]\Ierriam notes* that according to Mr. W. G. Buell this species " has been known to breed on a pond at East Hampton." Mr, W, R, Nichols informs us that a pair bred at Lake Saltonstall in 1890, since he saw the old birds with two young there the last of June or early in July of that year, and that the last previous record of their breeding on this lake was in 1878. Summer records. July 24, 1882, Goose Island, Long Island Sound, one pair (L. B. B.) ; July 6, 1893, Portland, one young female (J. PI. S.). Gavia stellata (Pontoppidan), Red-throated Loon. A rather common winter resident along the coast from Novem- ber to March. Very rare inland. Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 20, 1883; Portland, Oct. 10, 1892 ; Branford, Oct. 7, 1908, an adult in summer plumage (L. C. S.). 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 137. "Samuels, Birds of New England, p. 563. 3 0. and O.. ix, 6, p. 76. * Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 136. 2 l8 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Latest record. New Haven, April 2t„ 1887 (L. B. W.) ; Bran- ford, April 30, 1888 (\V. H. Gardner). Inland records. Portland, Oct. 10, 1892, a young female (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Hartford, Nov. 20, 1895, a young bird found alive on the street, probably after being caught in the electric wires in the fog. Only rarely are birds taken in the full nuptial plumage, as most go north in Alarch before assuming this dress. Mr. Nichols informed jMr. j\Ierriam^ " that he saw one as late as June 2, 1877." Family ALC1D7E. Auks, Murres, and Puffins. Subfamily /Ethiin^e. Auklets, jMurrelets, and Guillemots. Cepphus grylle (Linnseus). Black Guillemot. The only record for this species in Connecticut is that of a male, received by J. H. S. from Mr. Gurdon Trumbull, taken at Stony Creek in December, 1887.- Subfamily Alcin^. Auks and Murres. Uria lomvia lonivia (Linnjeus). Briinnich's Murre. An irregular and probably accidental winter visitor to Long Island Sound ; found occasionally on the ponds in the interior of the state. Usual visitation between Dec. i and Jan. 15. Earliest record. Portland, Nov. 21, 1901 ; Rocky Hill, Nov. 18, i893(W. E.T.). Latest record. Saybrook, Feb. 19, 1878 (J. N. C). Records for Connecticut. Feb. 19, 1878. Saybrook (J. N. C.) ; Jan., 1884, Saybrook (Dr. Pratt) ; Jan. 7, 19, 1891, Stamford (Hoyt and Schaler) ; Jan. 13, 1891, common at Stony Creek (W.F. Davis) ; Nov. 18, 1893, Rocky Hill (W. E. T.) f Dec. 11, 1894, Essex (E. Saunders) ; Dec. 14, 22, 1894, Portland (J. H. S.) ; Dec. 15, 1894, Stamford (Hoyt) ; Dec. 1894, Lake Saltonstall (A. J. G.) ; Jan. i, 1895, Stony Creek (E. M. Cooper) ; Dec, 1896, New Haven (L. C. S.) ; winter, 1900-1, Saybrook (J. N. C.) ; Nov. 21, 29, Dec. 14, 1901, Portland (J. H. S.) ; Dec. 6, O.Ierriam, Birds of Conn., p. 136. 2 J. H. S., Auk, vii, 3, p. 283. ^ Auk, xii, 2, p. 177. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I9 1901, New Haven (C. A. Dorman) ; Dec, 1901, Still River, Litch- field County (H. K. J.) ; Dec, 1907, Twin Lakes (C. S. Phelps).^ According to C. K. A.- this species occurred in great numbers along the Connecticut coast during the winter of 1890-1. Hoyt (Stamford) reported them plentiful there from Dec. 20 to Feb. 10 of that winter, he himself seeing fourteen. At that same time D. C. Sanford reported " thousands of them " in the vicinity of the mouth of the Saugatuck River. The Murre taken by Capt. Brooks near Faulkner's Island " about eight years ago " and recorded by Dr. Merriam as Uria troile is a bird of this species.^ This species was not recorded in Linsley's or Merriam's list. AIca torda Linnasus. Razor-billed Auk. The only Connecticut reference to this species is by Merriam, who merely states that it is " a rare winter visitor in the Sound "} Specimens have since been recorded from points farther south (Cobb's Island and Norfolk, Va.). Subfamily Allin^. Dovekies. Alle alle (Linn?eus). Dovekie. Little Auk. A rare winter visitant on the coast. Ver}^ rare inland. Coast records. Nov. 25, 1874, Saybrook, picked up on beach after a severe storm (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Nov. 26, i^yy, Morris Cove, New Haven (in Peabody Museum) ; Oct., 1879, two, Guil- ford (in Peabody Museum) ; Jan. 15, 1891, Stony Creek (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Feb. 16, 1894, Stony Creek (in coll. of Mr. Porter) ; c. Dec. 10, 1893, Stonington.* Inland records. Nov. 10, 1849, Portland (Wood) f Nov., 1871, Middletown (G. B. Goode) f Sept., 1874, Wallingford (W. F. Lane) f Dec. 7, 1877, Portland (W. W. C.) ; Nov. 23, 1878, Pomfret, blown inland during severe gale (in coll. of C. M. Jones ).^ ijob, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 289. ' C. K. Averill, Auk, viii, 3, pp. 307-8. 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 138. *N. Y. Tribune. Dec. 10, 1893. ^ O. and O., viii, 4, p. 32. 20 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Order LONGIPENNES. Long-winged Swimmers. Family STERCORARIID^. Skuas and Jaegers. Stercorarius parasiticus (Linn^us). Parasitic (or Richard- son's) Jaeger. . . . „-^ Merriam refers to this species as a " rare winter visitor. Linsley notes it from Bridgeport. .tic. Taken at Portland, fall of 1875 (J- H. S.) ; at Noank, Sept. 10, 1903 (Dr. C. B. Graves, in coll. of J. H. S.). Stercorarius longicaudus Vieillot. Long-tailed Jaeger. The only record of this species appears in Merriam s Birds of Connecticut, p. 131. " I have just received from Wrn^ F. Lane a beautiful adult specimen of this Larine plunderer, ^vhich he shot on the Community Lake at Wallingford, Conn., Aug. 30th, 1873. Family LARID^. Gulls and Terns. Subfamily Larine. Gulls. Rissa tridactyla tridactyla (Linn^us). Kittiwake. A very rare winter visitant on the coast. Aoril 2 1880, large numbers in the Thames River, Norwich rs T H^^ Nov. 15 1883, one brought to the Peabody Museum and seen in the flesh by L. B. B. ; Dec. 3, 1884, one seen alive at West Haven by L. B B. ; Dec. n, 1886, and March 19, 1887, seen at New Haven by L. B. W.; Jan. 21, 1895, a young male taken at Stamford (in coll. of Mr. Schaler). Larus leucopterus Faber. Iceland Gull. ,■ u .. The onlv record for Connecticut is a young male which was shot by a fisherman between Rye and Stamford, March 3, 1894, and is now in the collection of L. H. Porter.^ Larus kumlieni Brewster. Kumlien's Gull. ' , • A young female in the collection of Mr. Porter was shot in Stamford Harbor, Feb. 16, 1894. 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 131- SO. and 0., vi, 4. P- 3i- » AuA, xii, I, p. 76. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 21 Larus marinus Linnaeus. Great Black-backed Gull. A rather rare and very shy winter resident of the Sound. Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. lo, 1883, Oct. 11, 1886 (L. B. W.). Latest record. New Haven, Jan. 19, 1895, April 2, 1887 (L. B. W.). Larus argentatus Pontoppidan. Herring Gull. An abundant winter resident on the Sound and along the in- land waterways. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 14, 1883 ; Portland, Oct. 6, 1892. Latest record. New Haven, May 24, 1900; Portland, April 20, 1908. During the day these birds are abundant in New Haven Har- bor, but the majority do not sleep there, for they may be seen flying west along the coast toward sunset and returning from that direction about sunrise. Small flocks may often be seen during the migration in May flying high in an easterly direction and at some distance inland. A large flight, estimated at over 1,000 birds, in flocks of from three to twelve individuals, was seen at Hartford, March 20, 1889, by W. E. Treat. Larus delawarensis Ord. Ring-billed Gull. A rare fall migrant on the coast. Connecticut records. Nov. 29, 1886, West Haven (L. B. W.) ; Oct. 19, 1893, Stamford (in coll. of Mr. Porter) ; Dec. 6, 1893, Stamford (in coll. of Mr. Schaler) ; Dec. 4, 1896, Stony Creek (J. E. Cooper, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Oct. 23, 1905, Oct. 7, 1908, Branford (L. C. S., the latter in coll. of L. B. B.). Merriam asserts that it is not rare and that the young of this species may frequently be seen in the winter associated with L. argentatus} Larus atricilla Linnaeus. Laughing Gull. At present only an accidental summer visitor. Never common. Linsley found it at Stonington. Mr. Osborne informed Dr. Merriam that he had seen one, June i, 1876.^ 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 132. 22 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. The only recent record is that of L. C. S.. who saw an adult in breeding plumage, followed by a young bird, at Branford, Sept. I, 1904. Larus Philadelphia (Ord). Bonaparte's Gull. A rather rare late fall migrant and occasional winter resident on the Sound. Rare inland. Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 10, 1883, Oct. 11, 1889 (L. B. W.) ; Stamford, Sept. 15, 1904 (Schaler). Latest record. New Haven, Dec. 29, 1884, Jan., 1887 (E. F. Coe). Inland records. Litchfield, July i, 1892 (examined by L. B. W. and E. S. W.) ; Sept. 24, 1895, four (E. S. W.) ; April, 1905 (in coll. of Litchfield Sci. Soc.) ;^ Haddam Neck, Nov. 17, 1900 (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Wallingford, fall, 1874 (eight seen by W. F. Lane) .2 Summer records. Litchfield,. July i, 1892;^ Saybrook, Aug. 8, 1896 (A. Taylor, in coll. of J. H. S.). Formerly " quite common about Faulkner's Lsland, Conn., in October and November " and occasionally seen " at Goose Island in the summer "} Subfamily Sternin^. Terns. Sterna hirundo Linnaeus. Common Teni. A rather rare though formerly common^ summer resident, breeding in a few small colonies on islands in the Sound and in the extensive salt marshes of the eastern part of the state. Breeding sites. Prior to 1898, when the Government took over Great Gull Island on Long Island Sound for coast defense fortifications, this island was the location of a colony of 7000 terns. Since their dispersion at this time they have taken all the available islands ofif the Connecticut shore for nesting sites, where from one to a dozen pairs may be found every season. These include Goose I. (near Faulkner's I.), Duck I. (near Saybrook), Goose Rock (south of Niantic), Waterford I. (Niantic Bay), Two Tree I. (Millstone Point), Liddy's I. and Rocky I. (near Stonington) (Hill). A few formerly bred on Goose Island.^ »Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 289. 2 Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 132-3. sMerriam, Birds of Conn., p. 133. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 23 On the mainland also this species occasionally breeds. L. B. B. found about twenty-five pairs breeding on the salt marshes at the mouth of the Hammonasset River, Clinton, June 23, 1904. Another colony of a dozen pairs was found at Grove Beach, Clin- ton, June 16, 1900, by Messrs. J. B. Canfield and C. H. Watrous. Nest. The eggs are either laid on the sand of the beach or in hollows in the drift seaweed lying on the wet salt marsh. Eggs, 2 to 5 ; average set, 3. Nesting dates. Earliest record, May 25, 1900, three eggs (Hill). Latest record, Jvily 24, 1882, one egg (L. B. B.). In the fall migration this tern is occasionally common in the western part of the Sound. Mr. Hoyt reported them abundant at Stamford in August, 1894. L. B. B. saw them in West Haven as late as Sept. 20, 1889, and Sept. 27, 1901. Sterna paradisasa Briinnich. Arctic Tern. In 1876 Merriam recorded the Arctic Tern as " a rare visitor to our shores ". The only specific reference to its occurrence in Connecticut is from J. N. C. of Saybrook, who wrote : " I have an undoubted specimen in the fall plumage of the young, taken here last season — never captured a mature bird."'" Sterna dougalli Montagu. Roseate Tern. Formerly an abundant summer resident. At present, very rare. On Goose Island, about one mile from Faulkner's Island, a colony of several hundreds of these birds was carefully protected by Capt. O. N. Brooks, the keeper of the Faulkner Light, until he resigned in 1883. It is of this colony that Merriam writes: " They cover the rocks, almost hading them from view. . . . The eggs were now hatching and thousands of downy young covered the island."^ This colony was visited by L. B. B. in the summer of 1881, 1882, and 1883, when many eggs were found and numerous birds seen, but in 1884 not a bird was to be seen and the ground was strewn with fresh or broken eggs. Practically the entire colony had been killed by a taxidermist soon after the birds had settled there for the summer. A few returned to the island the following year, when L. B. B. found one nest with two eggs and 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 133. 2 Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 133-4. 24 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. four with one egg each, but these terns are no longer common anywhere along the coast. The last record is a set of five eggs from Goose Island in 1888. According to Hill, a few still breed with the Common Terns on the different islands, though he has not identified any eggs as positively belonging to this species. The Roseate Tern was formerly common also in Stamford Harbor, though it is not found there now (Hoyt). Sterna antillarum (Lesson). Least Tern. Formerly common in certain localities along the coast. No recent records. J. N. C. reported them as quite abundant at Saybrook during migrations.^ (This was prior to 1876.) Linsley took it at Strat- ford.^ They were also formerly common at Stamford Harbor according to Hoyt, but never occur there at present. Sterna fuscata Linnseus. Sooty Tern. The following records appear from Connecticut: 1876, Say- brook, picked up stunned by concussion with a wharf depot (in coll. of J. N. C.) f Sept., 1876, two adults killed themselves by flying against the Faulkner Light (one in coll. of Capt. Brooks) ;^ summer, 1876, specimen killed with a stone by Mr. E. Coe, Stony Creek ;^ Sept. 20, 1876, specimen taken at Granby ;^ Sept. 16, 1878, a young male knocked down with an oar in Stamford Harbor (in coll. of Mr. Porter) f Oct., 1891, one found dead in the woods at Torrington after a severe storm.* Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis (Gmelin). Black Tern. A rare visitor, usually late in August, Connecticut records. Aug. 25, 1891, Stamford, a young female (in coll. of Mr. Porter) ; Aug. 29, 1892, Little River Marshes, Middletown, four, one secured (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Aug. 24, 1893, Milford, two shot;'' Aug. 29, 1893, Quinnipiac Marshes, 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 134. 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 134-5. ^Auk, xii, I, p. 86. Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 123. ^O. and O., viii, 4, p. 32. •O. and O., xii, 9, p. 156. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 3I Nest. Egg"s laid on bank of a stream, in a meadow, or in a thicket, some distance from the water. Eggs. Usually 9 ( 1 1 ) . Breeding records. May 12, 1898, nine eggs, and June 8, 1899, nine eggs, New London (Hill) ; May 20, 1901, eleven eggs, Kent (H. K. J.) ; April 22, 1904, five eggs, incomplete, Kent (Austin). At Saybrook Judge Clark found two nests of this duck. Fall migrants reached Litchfield on Sept. 7, 1905 (E. S. W.). Chaulelasmus streperus (Linnseus). Gadwall. Very rare. Merriam^ states that it occurs during migrations, though not common (1876). At that time Capt. Brooks wrote Merriam that these birds were " occasionally seen " about Faulkner's Island. Linsley wrote that " flocks of the Gray Duck were here as early as August last season" (1842). One w^as shot at East Hartford, Nov. 5, 1883 (W. E. T.). The only recent records are those of H. K. J., who heard of two being shot at Twin Lakes about the middle of November, 1907,2 and states that Mr. W. A. Miles has killed others there; and the two young males taken on the Ouinnipiac Marshes (North Haven), Oct. 12, 1912, by A. and W. Ganung (in coll. of L. B. B.). Mareca americana (Gmelin). Baldpate. A rare winter resident on the Sound from October to March. Earliest record. Quinnipiac J\'Iarshes, New Haven, Oct. 11, 1909 (A. Ganung). Latest record. Clinton, March 27, 1899 (J. F. Parker). Inland records. Hamden, Oct. 16, 1880 (Woolsey, in coll. of Peabody Museum) ; Middletown, fall, 1882, five out of a flock of seven killed by J. Taylor (J. H. S.) ; Portland, April, 1883, a male shot (J. IT. S.) ; Portland, Oct. 23, 1888, a female shot by J, L. Goff (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Bantam Lake, Litchfield, one shot Oct. 20, 1904, and another, Oct. 20, 1905, by H. Sanford (E. S. W.). i^Ierriarn, Birds of Conn., p. 124. ^Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 291. 32 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Besides these records a number of birds have been taken at Lake Saltonstall and in the Quinnipiac Marshes, the majority of which are in the collections of L. C. S. and L. B. B., in addition to a few birds taken at Branford, Clinton, and Stony Creek. Merriam^ mentions this species as " not particularly rare dur- ing the migrations." It was taken by Linsley at Stratford, and one by Dr. Wood at East Windsor Hill. Nettion crecca (Linnseus). European Teal. Very rare in North America. The only Connecticut reference is furnished by W. E. T. of East Hartford, who received from a resident gunner a fine adult male, shot Nov. 14, 1889, while flying with another, apparently of the same species, over an open field. It is now in the collection of J. H. S.^ Nettion carolinense (Gmelin). Green-winged Teal. A tolerably common fall and rare spring migrant, and a rare winter resident. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 3, 1886; Portland, Sept. 27, 1903; Litchfield, Sept. 8, 1906 (E. S. W.). Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 16, 1883 ; Portland, Nov. 27, 1896. Spring records. April 8, 1874, and April 6, 1887, Portland (J. H. S.) ; March 21, 1896, Stony Creek (E. M. Cooper, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; March 8, 1899, Clinton (J. F. Parker, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; " Have seen it in March " (Merriam).^ Winter record. Jan. 14, 1902, one taken in Branford Harbor by Mr. J. Lanfear (in coll. of L. C. S.). Querquedula discors (Linnseus). Blue-winged Teal. A tolerably common fall and rare spring migrant. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. i, 1886; Portland, Sept. 8, 1897. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 20, 1896; Portland, Oct. 17, 1874. Spring records. April 14, 1896, Quinnipiac Marshes (A. R. Andrews, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; April 9, 1902, Portland; April 27, 1905, West Haven (W. L. Ganung, in coll. of L. B. B.). iMerriam, Birds of Conn., p. 124. ''W. E. Treat, Auk, viii, i, p. 112. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 33 Unusual record. July 26, 1890, Quinnipiac Marshes, seen by Prof. C. C. Trowbridge and L. C. S. Spatula clypeata (Linnaeus). Shoveller. A very rare migrant along the coast. Connecticut records. March 20, 1854, two full-plumaged males taken at Lyme by Horace Champion (formerly in coll. of J. C. Comstock) (J. H. S.) ; Dec. 8, 1874, specimen shot by Mr. Pease at Saybrook (in coll. of W. W. C.) ; Oct. 8, 1875, two or three, near Milford (Grinnell) ;^ Oct. 29, 1886, four taken in West Haven (formerly in coll. of L. C. S.) ; Nov. 27-30, 1893, a flock frequented the Quinnipiac Marshes (A. R. Andrews and E. Mitchell) ; Oct., 1894, one taken in Stamford (in coll. of Hoyt). Linsley obtained two males at Stratford^ (in Linsley Coll. of Bpt. Sci. Soc.) ; has been taken at Twin Lakes (Miles). ^ Dafila acuta (Linnaeus). Pintail. A rare straggler in the fall. Coast records. Quinnipiac Marshes, one, Sept. 26, 1883 (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; flock of seven, Sept. 28, 1907 (J. Y. Stetson) ; two, Oct. 23, 1909 (A. Ganung, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; West Haven, Oct. 13, 1906, seven seen (A. Ganung, one in coll. of L. B. B.) ; one, Oct. 22, 1906 (E. S. W.) ; Stratford, Nov. 10, 1889 (in coll. of Bpt. Sci. Soc.) ; Stamford, about 1890 (Schaler) ; Stratford, (Linsley);^ Saybrook (J. N. C), not particularly rare (1876).' Inland records. East Windsor Hill, two (in coll. of Dr. Wood, 1876) ;^ Portland, Oct. 9, 1890, a young male killed (Parkinson, in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Middletown, Oct. 12, 1891, four seen, one shot (W. E. T. and S. R., in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Oct. 18, 1893, four seen by same; Essex, Jan. 22, 1894, fifteen seen, two shot (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Torrington, Oct. 25, 1907, one shot (Hanson) ;* Twin Lakes (Miles). 2 Aix sponsa (Linnaeus). Wood Duck. A summer resident, breeding throughout the state but becom- ing more rare each year. iMerriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 124-5. 5 Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 291. ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 123. 3 34 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Earliest record. New Haven, March 21, 1884; Portland, March 20, 1879. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 17, 1883; Portland, Dec. 3, 1888. Nest. Usually located in a hollow tree at a height of from eight to thirty feet from the ground. Eggs. Nine or ten ; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. Txlay 14, 1900 (H. K. J.). Latest record. July 2, 1904 (J. C. A. !\L). Breeding records, c. May 28, 1875, Portland, nest with 14 eggs (J. H. S.) ; May 24, 1885, Hamden, nest with 9 eggs (R. Morley) ; June 18, 1891, Chester, a set of 10 eggs (Watrous, in coll. of H. W. F.) ; May 14, 1900, Kent, 10 eggs in a hay-loft of an old barn (H. K. J.) ; May, 1901, East Lyme, nest with 9 eggs (Way) ; July 2, 1904, Litchfield, nest with 10 eggs (J. C. A. M.). Subfamily Fuligulin.e. Sea Ducks. Marila americana (Eyton). Redhead. A very rare bird until recent years, when it seems to have occurred quite regularly as a winter visitant. Merriam^ refers to this bird as " rare," noting that it has been taken at Westbrook (prior to 1876). Linsley took it at Stratford. At Stamford it has been seen frequently in the Sound, and one was taken in the winter of 1886 (W. H. H.). The next record is that of Mr. Holt of Saybrook, who says he shot twenty-eight in 1889, while he later records two or three flocks there, Oct. 19, 1893. Four were taken at Lake Saltonstall, Dec. 20, 1897, by A. J. G., and one at Stratford, Dec, 1897, by J. Locke. However, since 1902, the species has become more common, and we have records from Branford, Dec, 1901, Jan. 6, Nov. 15, 1902, March, 1904 (L. C. S.), and Jan. i, 1901 (Locke) ; Lake Saltonstall, East Haven, Oct. 25, 1902, Dec. 22, 1903 (A. J. G.), April 3, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; West Haven. April 2, 1910 (H. K. J.) ; Litchfield, Nov. 3, 6, 1905 (H. Sanford) ; Portland, Oct. 29, 1903, Oct. 16, 1906, Nov. 26, 1907, Nov. 26, 1909 (J. H. S.). Marila valisineria (Wilson). Canvas-back. A very rare accidental winter visitor. i?vlerriam. Birds of Conn., p. 125. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 35 Connecticut records. 1876, Merriam^ records this species as " rare " ; May 7, 1876, one seen by R. Morris in New Haven ( ?) ;- J. H. Hand reports it " very rare " at Westbrook, 1876;^ Linsley took it at Stratford;^ March 20, 1887, a flock re- ported seen at Lake Saltonstall by Mr. Folsom; 1889, two reported killed at Saybrook by Mr. Jas. Holt; fall, 1894, one reported taken at Stony Creek by E. M. Cooper ( ?) ; Nov., 1896, one shot from a flock at Twin Lakes by W. A. Miles ;^ Jan., 1902, two males taken at Lake Saltonstall by A. J. G. (in coll. of L. C. S.) ; April i, 1904, one male taken at North Branford (in coll. of L. C. S.). Marila marila (Linnaeus). Scaup Duck. A common winter resident on the Sound, most abundant in November and March. Rare inland. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 5, 1886. Latest record. New Haven, May 23, 1902. Inland records. Portland, Oct. 11, 1888, a young male shot in Connecticut River by J. L. Goff (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Port- land, Dec. 14, 1888, a female shot by Goff; Litchfield, Nov. 3, 1905, one shot by H. Sanford (E. S. W.). Unusual date. July 21, 1882, one " pensioner " taken at Stony Creek by L. C. S. Marila afEnis (Eyton). Lesser Scaup Buck. A tolerably common winter resident on the Sound, associat- ing with M. marila, and most frequently taken in November and March. Less common inland. Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 20, 1902. Latest record. Unusual date. July 14, 1904, Quinnipiac Marshes, New Haven, a non-breeding adult male in worn plumage taken by L. B. B. New Haven, March 26, 1895. Inland records. East Hartford, April 26, 1889, Oct. 8, 1888 (W. E. T.) ; Middletown, Little River Marshes, one seen Oct. 23, 1890, by W. E. T. and S. R., a female seen there also by J. H. S., June 10, 1905, and a male, June 17, 1905; Portland, Job's Pond, one shot July 9, 1895 (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Litchfield, Oct. 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 126. 2Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 292. 2,6 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bill!. 19, 1907, one shot (E. S. W.) ; one killed in the vicinity of East Windsor Hill by Dr. Wm. Wood (no date given). ^ Marila collaris (Donovan). Ring-necked Duck. A rare accidental winter visitor. Connecticut records. Merriam^ records that Linsley took it at Stratford, and also that " G. B. Grinnell has secured several specimens in the vicinity of Milford " ; April 10, 1883, East Hart- ford, adult male shot (W. E. T.) ; Dec. 19, 1885, New Haven, adult male secured by C. R. Hooker (formerly in coll. of L. C. S.) ; Oct. 26, 1887, Little River Marshes, Middletown, female shot by Dr. A. K. Fisher in company with J. H. S. (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Oct. 3, 1889, East Hartford, female shot (W. E. T.) ; April 9, 1895, Quinnipiac Marshes, New Haven, adult male taken by R. G. Van Name (in coll. of H. W. F.) ; Jan. 7, 1898, Lake Saltonstall, young male taken by A. J. G. (in coll. of L. B. B.). Clangula clangula americana Bonaparte. Golden-eye. A tolerably common winter resident, especially along the coast, from December to March. Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 19, 1904, Nov. 17, 1905 (E. S. W.) ; Portland, Oct. 29, 1898; Litchfield, Oct. 30, 1905 (E. S. W.). Latest record. New Haven, March 30, 1882, April 12, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, April 20, 1888. Clangula islandica (Gmelin). Barrow's Golden-eye. The only records for this state are: (i) that of A. J. G., who is well acquainted with the American Golden-eye, and who is positive that he took two males of this species at Lake Salton- stall, East Haven, Dec. 25, 1883 (unfortunately these birds were not preserved) ; (2), a typical male adult specimen in the col- lection of J. H. S., which was purchased by him in the flesh, Nov. 14, 1867, from a man who said it was killed in the Sound, and whose statement there seems to be no reason for doubting.^ Charitonetta albeola (Linnaeus). Buffle-head. Formerly an abundant winter resident on the Sound and tidal > Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 123. "Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 126. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT, 37 creeks from December to Februkr}^; also formerly common in- land, especially during- March. Now not more than tolerably common. Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 26, 1884, Nov. 2, 1888 (L. B. W.) ; Portland, Oct. 25, 1890; Bantam Lake, Litchfield, Oct. 23, 1905 (E. S. W.) ; H. Sanford reports them on same date from same locality.^ Latest record. New Haven, Feb. 13, 1894, April 10, 1882 (A. H. Baldwin) ; Portland, April 26, 1887. Unusual record. July 14, 1858, Lyme, female taken by R. Champion reported in MS. Journal of Jno. C. Comstock (J.H. S.). Harelda hyemalis (Linnaeus). Old-squaw. An abundant winter resident on the Sound from November to April. Less common, if not rather rare, inland. Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 24, 1895. Latest record. New Haven, May 21, 1888. Inland records. Portland, Nov. 6, 1888, Oct. 15, 1890, March 23, 1894, Oct. 18, 1897, Oct. 14, 1905; Litchfield, Oct. 19, 1907, one taken (E. S. W.). Summer records. June 17, 1896, an adult male in nuptial dress, prevented from going north by an old fracture of the wing, taken at New Haven by A. R. Andrews (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Woodmont, Aug. 2-4, 1906, three seen (A. A. S.). Breeding record. A pair with young was seen near Little Gull Island at the eastern end of the Sound in the summer of 1886 by L. C. S. Mr. Grinnell in Merriam's Birds of Connecti- cut^ notes that they occasionally breed here, though probably these are " pensioners." Histrionicus histrionicus (Linneeus.) Harlequin Duck. The only record for this state appears in Job, The Sport of Bird Study: "Mr. Williams examined a male (Histrionicus histrionicus) in full plumage shot by Matthew Parsons on Old Park Lake, Winsted, in October, seveii or eight years ago "^ (1900 or 1901). Camptorhynchus labradorius (Gmelin). Labrador Duck, 1 Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 292. * Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 127. 38 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST, SURVEY. [Bull. The only references to this species appear in a paragraph in Merriam : " A very rare winter visitor. Linsley took it at Strat- ford, Conn. Pennant, in his Arctic Zoology, says that this species was 'sent from Connecticut to Mrs. Blackburn in England.' Arctic Zoology, vol. ii, p. 559, 1785."^ Somateria dresseri Sharpe. Eider. Connecticut records. Linsley states that one or two Eider Ducks were killed at Stratford by Mr. Lucius Curtis.^ Grinnell informed Merriam that he had seen a specimen killed on the Sound near Milford, May 29, 1877, and that two, probably of this species, were shot there in the fall of 1874.^ Branford, Dec. 2, 1879, two shot, one in coll. of Dr. Fred. Sumner Smith of Ches- ter (J. H. S.). Mr. Alanson Ganung shot a young male, Dec. 20, 1909, off West Haven. It is now in the collection of L. B. B. This is the only recent record for this state. Somateria spectabilis (Linnaeus). King Eider. A rare winter straggler in the Sound. Connecticut records. Nov. 4, 1883, an adult female taken near Milford by E. L. Munson^ (now in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Nov. 17, 1886, one shot at Portland (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Oct. 22, 1890, a female found in the bag of some sportsmen at Stony Creek by A. E. V. (now in Peabody Museum) ; Nov. 11, 1893, one received by J. H. S. from Mr. Henry Noyes of Lyme; Nov., 1900, a female taken near New Haven (in coll. of L. C. S.) ; winter, 1902-3, a female taken in New Haven Harbor by A. Ganung; Nov. 14, 1904, an adult male positively identified at Branford by L. C. S. ; Oct. 26, male, Nov. 14, 1907, female, taken at Stratford (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Nov. 2, 1908, two young shot at Stratford ; Nov. 4, 1908, a young male shot at New Haven by W. Ganung (in coll. of L. B. B.). Linsley also records obtain- ing two specimens at Stratford. C. L. Rawson states that a stuffed specimen is in Noank, shot off Groton Long Point in the winter of 1884.^ Oidemia americana Swainson. Scoter. 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 127. 8 O. and O., xii, 9, p. 156. ' O. and O., x, 5, p. 74. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 39 A rare fall migrant on the Sound; very rare along the inland waterways. Coast records. Linsley records it from Stratford, and Mer- riam^ calls it a " tolerably common winter resident," having seen it as early as Oct. 4, 1876. Oct., 1879, New Haven Harbor, one female collected by Dr. G. Woolsey (in Peabody Museum) ; April 23, 1889, Stony Creek, one seen (J. H. S.) ; Oct., 1900, Branford, male taken by L. C. S. (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Oct. 22, 1902, Branford, male taken by L. C. S. ; Oct. 24, 1906, Stony Creek, young bird shot by A. H. V. (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Oct. 4, 1909, West Haven, two males taken by A. Ganung (in coll. of L. B. B.). Inland records. Oct. 9, 1888, Portland, seventeen of a flock of thirty shot by J. L. Goff (seven in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Oct. 21, 1890, Portland, flock of twenty-five seen (five in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Oct. 2, 1893, Portland, one seen by W. E. T. ; Oct. 16, 1899, Middletown, two shot (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Oct. 19, 1900, Port- land, two shot. Spring record. April 23, 1889, Stony Creek, one seen by J. H. S. Oidemia deglandi Bonaparte. White-winged Scoter. A common winter resident on the Sound, especially abundant in October and November, March and April. Not usually com- mon inland. Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 13, 1883 ; Portland, Oct. 4, 1895. Latest record. New Haven, May 21, 1888; Sachem's Head, June 8, 1892 (J. H. S.). Inland records. Oct. 19, 1881, Eastford, female shot (in coll. of C. M. Jones) f Oct. 4, 1895, Portland, about seventy-five seen in Connecticut River by S. R. ; Oct. 12, 1895, Portland, adult male shot in Connecticut River (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Oct. 16, 1900, Portland, one killed by C. E. Lincoln; Oct. 20, 30, Nov. 3, 6, 1905, Oct. II, 28, 1907, common at Bantam Lake, Litchfield (E. S. W.). Unusual record. Aug. 30, 1906, Pine Orchard (A. A. S.). > Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 127. ^ O. and O., viii, 4, p. 22- 40 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Oidemia perspicillata (Linnjeus). Surf Scoter. A common winter resident on the Sound, though not as com- mon as 0. deglandi, except in November. Rare inland. Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 13, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, April 19, 1904; Stony Creek, April 23, 1889 (J. H. S.). Inland record. Oct. 15, 1890, female shot at Portland by J. L. Goff (in coll. of J. H. S.). Merriam^ records one on the Sound as late as June 29, 1877. Erismatura jamaicensis (Gmelin). Ruddy Duck. Formerly a fairly common fall migrant on the Sound and larger lakes ; now rare. Very rare in the spring. Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 24, 1885 ; Oct. 14, 1908 (P. B. Haines). Latest record. New Haven, Nov. i, 1882; Portland, Nov. 12, 1889; Litchfield, Dec. i, 1906 (E. S. W.). Spring records. I\Iarch 19, 1889, East Hartford, five seen (W. E. T.) ; June 5, 1893, Portland, three of a flock of five killed in Connecticut River (in coll. of J. H. S.). Recent records. Since 1896 we have the following records only: Oct. 25, 1904, North Haven, a young female taken by Mrs. L. A. Farnham (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; E. S. W. reported them common on Bantam Lake, Litchfield, from Oct. 9 to Nov. 11, 1905, also Nov. 24, 1906, and Oct. 11-28, 1907; E. S. W. shot one, Dec. i, 1906; Oct. 14, 1908, a young male shot at North Haven by P. B. Haines (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; April 13, 1906, Lake Saltonstall (A. A. S.) ; Oct. 5, 1907, Lake Burton (A. A. S.). Subfamily Anserine. Geese. Chen hyperboreus nivalis (J. R. Forster). Greater Snow Goose. An extremely rare winter visitor. Connecticut records. Linsley records seven specimens of Snow Geese from Stratford ; Merriam- reports a specimen in the possession of W. W. C, which had been killed near Saybrook in > Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 128. 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 121. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 4I the fall of 1875 ; E. H. Austin informs us that three Snow Geese, undoubtedly of this species, spent the winter of 1868-9 ^^ Strat- ford; Nov. 20, 1884, Portland, one adult male taken (in coll. of J, H. S.) ; Feb. 3, 1893, L. H. Porter purchased two adults and two young in Fulton Market, New York City, where they had been sent a few days before from Stratford. On the death of Dr. W. H. Hotchkiss of New Haven in 1907, there was found among his effects the head of an adult male of this species, mounted. Dr. H. had previously informed L. B. B. that all of his collection had been taken in Connecticut about 1878, so that this Snow Goose was in all probability killed in this state. Branta canadensis canadensis (Linnaeus). Canada Goose. A common late fall and early spring migrant. Winters rarely. Fall migration. Average, Oct. 15 — Dec. 15. Earliest rec- ord. New Haven, Sept. 11, 1883; Portland, Oct. 13, 1886. Latest record. New Haven, Dec. 28, 1909 (Merrill) ; Port- land, Dec. 15, 1891. Spring migration. Average, March 15 — April 25. Earliest record. New Haven, March 20, 1888; Portland, Feb. 17, 1891. Latest record. New Haven, April 25, 1889 (L. B. W.), April 25, 1909 (J. Lamb) ; Portland, May 30, 1885. Winter records. Merriam records^ that Grinnell told him that over two hundred remained about the mouth of the Housatonic River during the winter of 1876-7. In January, 1904, a New Haven daily paper reported that a flock was wintering along the shore of the Sound east of Stonington. W. W. Coe^ saw one shot in the Middlefield reservoir, Jan. 4, 1883. Three were shot from a flock of six at Clinton, Dec. 28, 1909, by C. A. Merrell (one in coll. of L. B. B.). Branta canadensis hutchinsi (Richardson) . Hutchins' Goose. Very rare. Linsley records it from Stratford. G. B. GrinnelP says it is recognized by the gunners about Milford (1877). E. H. Austin informs us that this species used to occur in small numbers at Stratford, and that he remembers seeing three. May 23, in the 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 122. *0. and O., viii, 3, p. 24. 42 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. sixties, in the possession of a gunner at Milford Point. He also reports one shot in South Kent a few years ago (about 1900). Branta bernicla glaucogastra (Brehm). Brant. A rare straggler on the Sound in the fall and winter. Linsley recorded the Brant as " common " in Stratford in the winter. Merriam^ gives the following records: spring, 1877, Stratford Light, two killed (Grinnell) ; April 14, 1876, mouth of East Haven River, three seen (Osborne) ; spring, 1876, Con- necticut River above Hartford, one shot (Dr. Wood). The following recent records appear: 1893-4-5, a large num- ber wintered off Stamford (Porter) ; Dec. 21, 1895, Stony Creek, a male taken by E. M. Cooper (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Feb. 21, 1903, Stratford, two males and one female shot by G. Green way (in coll. of L. C. S. and L. B. B.). Subfamily Cygnin^. Swans. Olor columbianus (Ord). Whistling Swan. The only records for Connecticut are as follows : Linsley mentions four specimens, two of which were killed, at Stratford; Merriam^ records that two Swans were seen in Branford Harbor during a severe gale about the middle of March, 1876 (Beers), and several were seen at the same time near Milford (Grinnell) ; a young bird was shot off Grass Island, Guilford Harbor, by Mr. Reuben Hill, Nov. 2 or 3, 1893, and mounted by Capt. Brooks^ (now in the possession of Mr. Norton of Guilford) ; an adult taken in Fairfield is in the Linsley collection of the Bpt. Sci. Soc. Order HERODIONES. Herons, Storks, Ibises, etc. Suborder I BIDES. Spoonbills and Ibises. Family IBIDID^. Ibises. Guara alba (Linnaeus). White Ibis, The only record for New England is one reported by Merriam* as seen by G. B. Grinnell, who wrote : " Late in the afternoon of May 23 (1875), I observed near Milford, Conn., a specimen of Ihis alba. I recognized the bird as it flew over me, and following it to a small pond, where it went down, discovered it perched upon iMerriam, Birds of Conn., p. 121. 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 120. 3 Reported by L. B. B., Auk, xi, i, p. 74. * Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. no. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 43 a tree over the water. I carefully examined it with a good glass, at a distance of about one hundred and fifty yards, and by this means was enabled to note every detail of form and color. It was in full plumage, the white being pure, and the naked skin about the head bright red. After watching it for a few moments I tried to approach it, but before I came within gunshot it flew, uttering a hoarse cackle as it went off." Plegadis autumnalis (Linnreus). Glossy Ibis, Linsley obtained five specimens at Stratford.^ The only other record is that of Dr. J. Barratt^ of Middletown, who wrote in the Middletown Sentinel and Witness for j\Iay 21, 1850, that " One of these rare birds {Ibis falcinella) was shot in Middletown on the banks of the Connecticut, May 9th, time of high flood. It has been carefully preserved and is now in the cabinet of Dr. J. Barratt." He adds, " The Ibis falcinella is very rarely seen in the United States. This is the first that has come to our notice on the Connecticut, and has not been known in this country many years." Since this article appeared, the specimen has been presented to the Wesleyan University Museum, Middle- town, and is in good condition. On page 92 in the copy of Nuttall's Manual (Water Birds) owned by Dr. Barratt, is the following marginal note in his hand- writing: "My specimen, 28 inches, May, 1850. J. Barratt." (J, H. S.). Suborder HERODII. Herons, Egrets, Bitterns, etc. Family ARDEID^. Herons, Bitterns, etc. Subfamily Botaurin^. Bitterns. Botaurus lentiginosus (Montagu). Bittern. A common fall and less common spring migrant ; rare sum- mer resident. Most common during September and October, and April. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 27, 1895 ; Portland, Sept. 14, 1892. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 2, 1903 ; Portland, Oct. 24, 1890. 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. no. ' This specimen is also recorded in Merriam, p. no, and by J. H. S. in the Auk, iv, 3, pp. 253-4. 44 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 20, 1887; Portland, April 8, 1887; Columbia, March 26, 1894 (W. E. T.). Latest record. New Haven, May 4, 1898; Portland, May 21, 1907. Summer records. June 9, 1892, Portland (J. H. S.) ; June 24, 1893, June 21, 1894, Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven (A. H. V. and L, B. B.) ; June 20, 1904, SaHsbury (J. H. S. and L. B. B.) ; May 30, June 11, 15, 1891, June 30, 1905 (E. S. W.), July 3, 1895, Litchfield (L. B. W.) ; July 23, 1910, Portland (J. H. S.). Winter record. Dec. 29, 1904, Stamford, a male in perfect condition taken (in coll. of Hoyt). Nesting records. June, Portland, eggs taken (J. H. S.) ; June 27, 1907, Litchfield, four young in nest (E. S. W.). Ixobrychus exilis (Gmelin). Least Bittern. A rather rare summer resident of the marshes along the coast, occasional inland. Formerly common. Earliest record. May 29, 1875, Portland. Latest record. Sept. 22, 1902, New Haven. Nest. Usually a mere hollow of rushes fastened to the flags of a grass-grown marsh. Eggs. 4-5 ; middle of June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. June 8, 1898, five eggs (Hill). Latest record. June 27, 1876, one egg (Nichols). Merriam^ notes this species as a pretty regular summer resi- dent, having been particularly abundant throughout the state dur- ing the season of 1875. At that same time W. W. C. informed Merriam that they bred regularly in the vicinity of Portland. Of recent years the Least Bittern has become relatively scarce. Recent records : May, about 1896, Winchester, pair seen (Williams) f May, 1904, New Haven (A. A. S.) ; June 23, 1904, Stratford, a breeding pair taken by E. Perry, Jr. ; June 18, 1907, Portland (J. H. S.) ; June 19, 1909, Morris Cove, New Haven, nest with four eggs (A. A. S.) ; Sept. 13, 1909, Goodspeed's Land- ing, bird taken (C. R. H.) ; June 15, 1910, New Haven, deserted nest with one egg (H. K. J.) ; July 23, 1910, Portland (J. H. S.). 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 113. *Job, Tlie Sport of Bird Study, p. 293. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 45 Subfamily Ardein^. Herons and Egrets. Ardea herodias herodias Linnaeus. Great Blue Heron. A tolerably common spring and fall migrant. Very rare sum- mer resident Spring migration. Average, April 1-20. Earliest record. New Haven, March 22, 1902; Portland, April 3, 1896. Latest record. New Haven, April 29, 1884, and 1890, May 16, 1907 (A. A, S.) ; Portland, May 11, 1875. Fall migation. Average, Aug. 20 — Oct. 20. Earliest record. New Haven, July 14, 1893 ; Portland, Aug. 2, 1880. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 16, 1904; Portland, Nov. 25, 1892; coast, Nov. 26, 1875 (Merriam).^ Summer records. June 2, 1877, New Haven (W. P. Nichols) ;^ May 15, 1897, May 21, 1898, New Haven (L. B. B.) ; June 7, 1897, May 13, 18, June 3, 1905, Litchfield (E. S. W.). E. S. W. says this species is often seen in the summer at Bantam Lake, Litchfield. Nest found in Winchester about 1900 by Wil- liams (Job).^ • Herodias egretta (Gmelin). Egret. An irregular transient visitor in late summer. Connecticut records. Prior to 1877, a specimen was shot near Middletown (in Museum of Wesleyan University) f Grinnell reported seeing it on the marshes near Milford in September;^ Dr. Wood reported one near East Windsor Hill " several years ago" (i. e., before 1877) f a pair, seen at Lake Saltonstall, July, 1876, and later not less than seven (F. S. Smith) f Aug. 2, 1878, and Aug. 11, 1882, specimens shot by J. R. Chalker near Say- brook (latter in coll, of J. H. S.) ;* April i, 1883, Stamford, adult in full nuptial plumage taken (Schaler) ; Aug. 14, 1883, Hart- ford (W. E. T.) f 1883, East Haven (L. T. Hotchkiss, in Pea- body Museum) ; July 29, 1897, July 30, 1898, Aug. 8, 1898, Stam- ford, young taken (Schaler) ; Aug. 19, 1897, Clinton, one shot; Aug., 1897, Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven, one seen (Robert- » Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. no. 2 Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 293. * Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. in. *0. and O., vii, 24, p. 189; viii, i, p. 4. * Auk, iv, I, p. 78. 46 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. son) ; Aug., 1899, flock of a hundred seen near East Haven marshes, a number roosting nightly at Branford (Nichols) ; July 28, 1899, Kent, one taken by Hall (in coll. of H. K. J.) ;^ July 25, 1906, Canaan, one shot (in coll. of Pease) ;^ Aug., 1911, near Greenwich, one seen (P. G. Howes) ;2 Aug. 15-30, 1911, West Haven, two seen (J. Hitchcock). Egretta candidissima candidissima (Gmelin). Snowy Egret. Merriam^ characterizes this species as " a rare accidental visi- tor from the South." He further states that Linsley saw it at Stratford and that Dr. Crary has taken it at Hartford (prior to 1877). C. L. R. of Norwich writes in O. and O. •} " In early Octo- ber I have seen eleven Snowy Herons at the point (Groton Long Point) at once, at another time nine, and smaller groups in other seasons." Mr. Jno. C. Comstock, in his journal kept at Lyme, records five specimens seen July 28, 1853, ^"^1 thirteen Aug. 16, 1853 (J. H. S.). Florida casrulea (Linnreus). Little Blue Heron. A rare straggler from the South. Merriam^ gives the following records : Linsley took it at Stratford; April, 1877, one seen in Lake Whitney (doubtful record); May (1876?), Suffield, one shot (doubtful record). Other records : July 28, 1875, Wethersfield, two seen, a young male killed by Mr. Ransom T. Hewitt (in coll. of W. W. C., and recorded in part by Merriam) ; Aug. 12, 1881, Saybrook, a specimen in immature plumage obtained from a flock of about six (J. N. C.) f summer, 1895, one taken near New Haven and mounted by a local taxidermist; Aug. 4, 1897, Niantic, one taken (P. J. McCook) ; July 21 — Aug. 5, 1899, Lyme, seven seen, tv/o taken (A. W. Brockway) f Sept. 15, 1899, Stratford, one young in a flock of three taken (in coll. of L. C. S.) ; April 27, 1900, Portland, female in adult plumage shot by Hurlburt ( in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Aug. 2, 1901, Guilford, young shot (in coll. of L. B. 1 H. K. Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 294. ^ Oologist, xxviii, 9, p. 152. 3 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. iii. * O. and O., xvi, 4, p. 59. ^ O. and O., vi, 7, p. 51. Auk, xvi, 4, p. 152. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 47 B.) ; July 22 — Aug. i8, and Sept. 7, 1904, Niantic, one to ten seen (McCook).^ Butorides virescens virescens (Linnseus). Green Heron. A common summer resident throughout the state, arriving early in May, and the majority leaving early in September, Earliest record. New Haven, April 2^, 1886; Portland, April 24, 1902. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 2, 1902, Oct. 15, 1898 (E. S. W.) ; Portland, Oct. i, 1894; Guilford, Oct. 22, 1909 (H. E. Watrous). Nest. In a cedar, hemlock, or white birch, as a rule, and at a height of from 8 to 30 feet from the ground. Frequently in a small colony, but often alone. Eggs. 4 or 5, usually 5 ; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 11, 1906, five eggs (E. S. W.). Latest record. July 8, 1882, five young (L. B. B.). Nycticorax nycticorax nasvius (Boddaert). Black-crowned Night Heron. A summer resident from ]\'Iay to October. Earliest record. New Haven, April 3, 1888; Portland, April 28, 1905. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 17, 1900; Portland, Nov. 12, 1902. Nest. Usually high in the top of a pine or hemlock and in colonies. Eggs. 3-5 ; the latter part of May, Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 4, 1902, five eggs (Beers). Latest record. June 20, 1886, two eggs (Eames). Colonies. Rocky Hill, 1872, hundreds reported breeding in a heronry;- Lake Whitney, prior to 1881, a colony in Heron Swamp — again occupied by many pairs in 1904 and later (Bennett) ; near Norwalk, 1903, twenty to twenty-five pairs breeding in a heronry (Canfield and Watrous), numbers greatly increased in 1904 (Perry) ; Wood^ reported a rookery where ^Auk, xxii, I, p. 77. 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 112. •Samuels, Birds of New England, p. 410. 48 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. " thousands " bred, fourteen miles from East Windsor, now prac- tically abandoned (J. H. S.). Unusual record. Feb. 9, 10, and ii, 1880, a specimen flushed in the open spaces of water on the Thames River, Norwich, by C. L. R.^ Albino. Summer of 1894, Stamford, young bird, creamy white with markings of pale russet and ecru-drab (W. H. Hoyt, in coll. of L. B. B.). Order PALUDICOL^. Cranes, Rails, etc. Suborder RALLI. Rails, Gallinules, Coots, etc. Family RALLID^. Rails, Gallinules, and Coots. Subfamily Rallin^. Rails. Rallus elegans Audubon. King Rail. Rare. Linsley found it breeding at Stratford; Merriam^ reports a specimen in the possession of J. N. C, taken at Saybrook, Jan. 14, 1876; Sept. 17, 1879, Portland, female killed (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; c. 1882-5, specimens shot at Glastonbury, Wethersfield, and East Haddam (reported by Sperry to L. B. B.) ; Sept. 23, 1892, Middletown(W.E.T.) ; Sept. 1,1895, Little River Marshes, Middletown, male taken (in coll. of C. H. N.) ; Sept. 5, 1901, Ouinnipiac Marshes, North Haven, young male taken (G. V. Smith, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Sept. 26, 1905, same location, young female (Sperry, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; April 22, 24, 1910, Leete's Island, two females trapped (in coll. of L. C. S.) ; J. N. C. in- formed L. B. B. that he had taken one set of eggs many years ago. Rallus crepitans crepitans Gmelin. Clapper Rail. A rather rare summer resident of the salt-water marshes of the western part of the state; occasionally wintering. Earliest record. East Haven, May 24, 1879 (Woolsey). Latest record. Fairfield, Nov. 13, 1891 (Fames). Winter record. Feb. 9, 1900, Stamford (Hoyt). Nest. A nest of rushes in the marshes. 1 O. and 0., V, 10, p. 78. s^NIerriam, Birds of Conn., p. 115. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 49 Eggs. 8-14; in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. June 17, 1893, eight eggs (Schaler). Latest record. June 25, 1891, twelve eggs (Lucas). Recent records. Stamford, 1874. fourteen eggs, Sept., 1893, four taken, Feb. 9, 1900, male taken (Hoyt), June 17, 1893, female and eight eggs (Schaler), Sept. 27, 1893, female taken (Porter) ; Fairfield, Nov. 13, 1891, female taken (Fames) ; Strat- ford, June 25, 1891, twelve eggs taken (W. H. Lucas), ^ Sept., 1893, one taken (in coll. of L. C. S.) ; Milford, Dec. 20, 1892 [?] (A. H. v.). May 26, 1900, male taken (Beers); West Haven, May 30, 1904, female taken (L. B. B.) ; New Haven, 1882, twelve eggs (F. H. Barbour), Sept. 11, 1886, female taken (C. H. Webb) ; East Haven, May 24, 1879, male taken (Woolsey) ; Guilford, Sept. 10, 1884, female taken (L. B. B.) ; Saybrook, one record (J. N. C). Rallus virginianus Linnaeus. Virginia Rail. A rather rare summer resident from May to October, and a tolerably common fall migrant. Earliest record. New Haven, May 19, 1904, April 20, 1906 (F. S. W.) ; Portland, April 22, 1910. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 29, 1904; Portland, Oct. 20, 1890. Nest. In rushes in fresh-water marsh. Eggs. 7-10; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 18, 1910, eleven eggs (C. G. H.). Latest record. July 3, 1892, ten eggs (J. H. S.). Porzana Carolina (Linnaeus). Sora. An abundant fall migrant in September and October, fre- quenting the wild rice and cat-tail rushes in the tidal marshes, as well as the marshes along the inland waterways. Rare in the spring. Fall migration. Average, Sept. i — Oct. 25. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 23, 1902; Portland, Aug. 17, 1897. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. i, 1895 ; Portland, Nov. 5, 1894. Spring records. May 28, 1898, New Haven, a female taken (Andrews, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; June 3, 1905, Litchfield (E. S. 1 Recorded in Averill's Birds of Bridgeport as Calliiiula galeata. 4 50 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT, HIST. SURVEY. [BuU. W.) ; May 1-5, 1908, May 17, 1909, May 16, 1910, Portland (J. H. S.). Summer record. Aug. 12, 1900, Westville (G. V. Smith). Winter record. Dec. 29, 1881, Hartford, a male shot (H. T. G.)} Breeding records. 1882, Norwich, three sets of nine eggs each (C. L. R.) f May 30, 1909, Talmage Hill (New Canaan), eleven eggs (P. G. Howes ).^ Nested at Portland in the early sixties, and eggs taken at that time have ever since been in the coll. of J. H. S. No recent record. Albino. Quinnipiac Marshes, Sept. 30, 1901, young female taken, colored yellowish tawny olive with markings of broccoli- brown (C. R. Hooker, in coll. of L. B. B.). Coturnicops novebcracensis (Gmelin). Yellow Rail. A fall migrant in October to our marshes ; probably not un- common, but seldom taken owing to its secretive habits. Merriam^ records that they breed about Middletown (W. W. C.), and that several have been taken near Milford (Grinnell) and Stratford (Linsley). Earliest record. Little River Marshes, Middletown, Sept. 8, 1894 (in coll. of J. H. S.). Latest record. Milford, Nov. 10, 1876 (Grinnell).*' Spring record. March 24, 1888, Gaylordsville, a male taken by E. H. Austin (in coll. of Bpt. Sci. Soc.). Fall records since 1894. Middletown, Sept. 8 (1894) — Oct. 25 (1894), five taken (Gould, Strong, Tryon, in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Quinnipiac Marshes, Sept. 15 (1908) — Oct. 15 (1894), twelve taken (Andrews, A. Ganung, P. Stetson, Whitney, H. W. F., L. C. S., L. B. B., in coll. of H. W. F., L. C. S., and L. B. B.). Breeding record. The only breeding record is that of W. W. C.,* who informed Merriam that they bred about Middletown in 1874 and 1875. A questionable record — probably a misunder- standing (J. H. S.). Creciscus jamaicensis (Gmelin). Black Rail. A rare summer resident. 1 0. and 0., vii . 15. P- 119 » 0. and 0., vii 22, p. 173 * Oologisi, xxvii . s, p. 90. * Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. ii8. No. 20,] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 5 1 Connecticut records. July lo, 1876, Saybrook, female sitting on nest of ten eggs (four eggs in coll. of J, N. C.) ;^ June 13, 1884, Saybrook, nine eggs taken (J. N. C.) f July 11, 1893, Aug. 12, 1904, Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven, flushed ( ?), but not ob- tained (L. B. B.) ; Sept. 14, 1904, Essex, young bird (Whitney, in coll. of L. C. S.). Crex crex (Linnaeus). Corn Crake. The only record of this species in Connecticut is that of J. N. C. of Saybrook, who obtained an adult male, Oct. 20, 1887, in a swampy thicket at the head of a marsh some two miles from Long Island Sound. It is recorded and described in O. and 0., xiii, 3, pp. 45-6. Subfamily Gallinulin^. Gallinules. lonornis martinicus (Linnaeus). Purple Gallinule. A very rare accidental visitor from the South. Merriam^ records a specimen taken near Middletown, about 1855, and now in the Wesleyan University Museum; Henry R. Smith of Stamford mounted a specimen taken there in 1877, while Hoyt reports another from Stamford in the spring of 1884; a female was collected at Bridgeport, June 26, 1903, by J. II. Canfield (in coll. of Beers). Gallinula galeata (Lichtenstein). Florida Gallinule. A rather rare fall visitant, occasionally taken by sportsmen while shooting Rail. Although GrinnelP called it a rather common summer resident, the only summer record which we have is a specimen in the Pea- body Museum, taken by E. L. Coe, in New Haven, in June, 1899. Coast records. Sept. 28, 1889, Stratford, female taken (in Averill coll. of Bpt. Sci, Soc.) ; Sept. 20, 1903, Sept. 15, 1904, Essex (in coll. of L. C. S.) ; Sept. 30, 1902, New Haven (H. Whitney) ; Sept. 4, 1906, Essex (F. F. Brewster, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Oct. 16, 1906, Stratford (L. C. S.) ; Sept. 15, 28, 1908, New Haven (P. Stetson); Sept. 25, 191 1, Stratford, two taken (H. W. B.). 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 119. *Av,k, i, 4, pp. 393-4- 52 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Inland records. Sept. 23, 1892, young female, Sept. 21, 1894, young female, Oct. 15, 1895, female, Sept. 3, 1903, male shot at Little River Marshes, Middletown (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Sept., 1907, Canaan, one shot by Stevens, who also saw one that had been shot there in Sept., 1906 (H. K. J.) ;^ Sept., 1895, one col- lected at Litchfield by H. Sanford (E. S. W.) ; Oct. 12, 1908, Goodspeed's Landing, one shot (Brackett, in coll. of L. B. B.). Subfamily Fulicin^. Coots. Fulica .americana Gmelin. Coot. A tolerably common fall migrant in September and October; much rarer than formerly. Seldom seen in spring. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 21, 1896; Portland, Sept. 19, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 3, 1888; Portland, Nov. 14, 1892. Spring records. May i, 1887, April 22, May 15, 1888, Port- land (J. H. S.) ; April 2-23, 1910, West Haven (H. K. J.). Summer record. July 19, 1906, Portland (J. H. S.). Order LIMICOL^. Shore Birds. Family PHALAROPODID/E. Phalaropes. Phalaropus fulicarius (Linnaeus). Red Phalarope. An accidental visitor during migrations. The first record is that noted by Merriam^ (1877) : " W. W. Coe has a specimen in his cabinet killed at Portland in Septem- ber." May 22, 1881, Portland, one obtained by C. H. N. ; Sept. 27, 1886, Hartford, female shot by W. E. T. ;3 Oct. 21, 1890, Port- land, female shot by J. L. Goff (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; May 24, 1894, East Haven, a male in nuptial dress taken by L. B. B. ; Nov. 24, 1895, Portland, male taken, Oct. 2, 1903, female shot (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Sept. 25, 1908, West Haven, a young female shot by P. B. H. (in coll. of L. B. B.). Lobipes lobatus (Linnseus). Northern Phalarope. An accidental visitor in the spring and fall. ijob, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 294. 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 103. ^Auk, iv, I, p. 78; corrected, Atik, xi, i, p. 74. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT, 53 Connecticut records. Aug. 4, 1886/ Sept. 12, 1889, Quinni- piac Marshes, North Haven, males, taken by E. L. Munson ; Aug. 24, 1893, West Haven, taken by A. H. V. (in coll. of Porter) ; May 20, 1894, Bridgeport, male killed by flying against electric wires (in coll. of J. C. A. M.) f May 21, 1894, Quinnipiac Marshes, four seen, two females taken (L. B. B.) ; May 22, 1894, East Haven, two males and a female secured (H. W. F.). Steganopus tricolor Vieillot. Wilson's Phalarope. The only record of this species in Connecticut is the specimen recorded by Linsley as killed in Bridgeport. It is a female in breeding plumage, and is now in the collection of the Bpt. Sci. Soc. Family RECURVIROSTRID^. Avocets and Stilts. Recurvirostra americana Gmelin. Avocet. Merriam^ notes the only specimen recorded from this state: 187 1, between Saybrook and East Lyme, a specimen caught in an old seine strung out on the beach to dry, and kept alive for some time (J. G. Ely). Family SCOLOPACID^. Sandpipers, etc. Philohela minor (Gmelin). Woodcock. A summer resident, though more common during migrations ; occasionally wintering. Breeds in less numbers than formerly. Most common during March, and from Sept. 15 to Nov. 25. Earliest record. New Haven, March 3, 1883 ; Portland, Feb. 28, 1878. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 22, 1894, Nov. 26, 1906 (E. S. W.) ; Portland, Nov. 28, 1895. Winter records. Dec. 18, 1882, Dec. 31, 1895, New Haven (L. B. B.) ; Feb., 1884, New London County (C. L. R.)^ Jan. 26, 1890, Bridgeport (W. H. Lucas) f Jan. i, 1903, East Haven (H. W. F.) ; Dec. 9, 1906, Dec. 28, 1907, New Haven (A. A. S.). 'O. a;\d O., xii, 9, p. 156. * Auk, xii, I, p. 77; wrongly recorded as P. fulicarius (L. B. B.). 3 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 103. * O. and O., ix, 2, p. 57. * O. and O., xv, 2, p. 31. 54 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [BuU. Nest. Eggs are laid on a bed of dry leaves or on moss, with no pretense of a nest. Eggs. 4. Nesting dates. Earliest record. March 24, 1886, egg ready for nest taken from bird (L. B. B.) ; March 29, 1898, four eggs (Hill). Latest record. June 3, 1875, Norwich, four eggs (C. L. R.).i The strange habit of grasping its young between its claws and carrying it through the air in its flight has been noted both by J. H. S., May 30, 1874, and by L. B. B., April 27, 1894. Albino. New Haven, Nov. 7, 1894, abdomen white, and rest of plumage very pale, taken by J. B. Robertson. Gallinago delicata (Ord). Wilson's Snipe. A tolerably common spring and fall migrant in April, October and November, but rapidly decreasing in numbers. Very rare summer or winter resident. Spring migration. Average, March 25 to May 10. Earliest record. New Haven, March 29, 1898, March 19, 1894 (H. W. F.) ; Portland, March 18, 1874. Latest record. New Haven, May 13, 1882; Portland, May 14, 1874, May 13, 1909. Fall migration. Average, Sept. i to Oct. 25. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 18, 1895 ; Portland, Sept. i, 1892, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Dec. i, 1882; Portland, Dec. 7, 1877. Winter records. Feb. 4, 1872, Portland (W. W. C.) f Jan. 22, 1896, New Haven (L. B. B.). Summer records. Aug. 5, 1886, North Plaven (E. L. Mun- son) ; Aug. 12, 1889, East Hartford, one found under a tele- graph wire (W. E. T.), Breeding record. May 13, 1874, Portland, nest with three eggs found and fully identified, since parent bird was on nest (J. H. S. and W. W. C.)^ Several birds of this species were in the meadow at the time and also on the following day, but we saw only the one nest (J. H. S.). Macrorhamphus griseus griseus (Gmelin). Dowitcher. Very rare ; now merely an accidental fall migrant in July and August. * O. and O., ii, i, p. 2; and xiv, 11, p. 176. • Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 105. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 55 Connecticut records. Merriam^ characterizes it as " not rare during the migrations." Linsley took it at Stratford. Aug. 21, 1874, Saybrook, two shot by W. W. C, one in collection of J. H. S. ; Aug. 20, 1892, Grove Beach, Clinton, a young male, Aug. 15, 1894, a young male and two young females (H. W. F.) ; July, 1892, and 1894, Stamford (Schaler) ; Aug. 27, 1897, Guil- ford, a young female (L. B. B.) ; Capt. Jas. Holt of Lyme in- formed W. E. T. that he had seen eight (about 1893). Macrorhamphus griseus scolopaceus (Say). Long-billed Dowitcher. The only record for Connecticut is that of an adult taken on the Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven, Aug. 5, 1886, by Dr. E. L. Munson (in coll. of L. C. S.). Micropalama himantopus (Bonaparte). Stilt Sandpiper. A rare straggler in May, August, and September. Connecticut records. June, 1874, three, Aug. 30, 1886, Quin- nipiac Marshes, North Haven (in coll. of Dr. E. L. R. Thomp- son), incorrectly reported in Merriam^ and O. and O.^ as Curlew Sandpipers (corrected by L. C. S.) ; Sept. 16, 1886, same locality, one young taken (E. L. Munson) f Sept. 17, 1886, near New Haven (in coll. of L. C. S.) ; Aug. 20, 1892, Grove Beach, Clin- ton, adult female taken (H. W. F.) ; May 30, 1894, West Haven, adult female taken (L. B. B.). Tringa canutus Linnaeus. Knot. A rare straggler on the coast in the spring and fall. Formerly " common during migrations."* Connecticut records. Merriam records that W. W. C. has " found it about the Connecticut River near Middletown in sum- mer "* [probably a misunderstanding as to species (J. H. S.)]. Aug. 21, 1874, Saybrook (J. H. S.) ; Sept. 20, 1882, West Haven, one taken (A. H. Baldwin) ; Sept. 9, 1885, same place, one young taken (Munson, in coll. of L. C. S.) ; Sept. 25, 1903, same place, young male (A. Ganung, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Jas. Holt of Lyme 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 105. ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 106. ' O. and O., xii, 9, p. 156. * Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 107. 56 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [BuU. says they were found in September (1893?) ; L. C. S. informs us that seven were shot in West Haven by Hotchkiss several years ago. Arquatella maritima maritima (Briinnich). Purple Sandpiper. A rare late fall migrant, frequenting the rocky islands off the coast, and an occasional winter resident. Capt. Brooks wrote Merriam^ that " Purple Sandpipers come here [Faulkner's Island] in early fall and stay till spring." Connecticut records. Nov., 1879, Stamford, two taken by Hezekiah Weed (Hoyt) ; April 22, 1881, Saybrook, female tal«en (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; c. 1882, Saybrook, one secured (J. N. C.) f Nov. 10, 1883, Guilford, one secured, from a small flock (L. B. B.) ; Nov. 28, 1885, Stony Creek (G. E. V., in Peabody Museum) ; Nov. 15, 1888, Stamford, one taken (Hoyt) ; Nov., 1891, Stam- ford, two taken by Hecker (Hoyt) ; Jan. i, 1893, New Haven, one shot (C. Webb, in coll. of Porter) ; March 31, 1893, May, 1897, Dec. 18, 1897, Branford (L. C. S.) ; Jan. i, 1894, New Haven (A. H. V.) ; Nov. 20, 1895, Stony Creek, one shot (E. M. Cooper) ; winter, 1898-9, a few seen frequently on the small rocky islands at the eastern end of the Sound (G. E. V.). Pisobia maculata (Vieillot). Pectoral Sandpiper. A common fall migrant; unknown in the spring. Earliest record. New Haven, July 30, 1890; Portland, Sept. 25, 1890. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 21, 1895; Portland, Oct. 31, 1891. The adults pass in August, Aug. 17 (1882) to Aug. 27 (1882, 1897). The young follow in September, Sept. 6 (1894) to Oct. 21 (1895). Summer record. July 26, 1890, Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven, flock of ten seen (Trowbridge). A hybrid between P. maculata and P. fuscicollis was taken on the Quinnipiac Marshes, Aug. 4, 1894, by L. B. B. It was with a few Spotted Sandpipers, and was remarkably tame. No Pectoral or White-rumped Sandpipers were seen that day. This ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. io6. ' O. and O., vii, 24, p. 189. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 57 bird was an adult male with rather undeveloped genitalia, its remarkably unworn plumage also indicating that it had not bred. In general coloring it resembles P. fiiscicoUis in breeding plumage, the rump more nearly approaching that of P. maculata. The upper tail coverts are white, the feathers, as a rule, broadly banded or striped with brown. The breast feathers are washed with ■brownish, as in P. maculata, and their dark centers are broader than in P. fuscicollis. In measurements this bird is exactly half- way between males of the two species, and practically identical with females of P. maculata: length, 8.25 in.; extent, 16.62; ex- posed culmen, 1.07; wing, 5.07; tail, 2.46; tarsus, 1.12; middle toe with nail, i in. The sternum also is about the size of that of the female P. maculata, and intermediate between males of the two species. Pisobia fuscicollis (Vieillot). White-rumped Sandpiper. A tolerably common fall migrant on the coast in September and October. Rare inland. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 24, 1895. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 19, 1904; Lyme, Oct. 21, 1893 (W. E. T.) ; Branford, Oct. 23, 1905 (L. C. S.). Adults pass during September, Aug. 24 (1895) to Sept. 30 (1886). The young follow in October, Sept. 30 (1894) to Oct. 19 (1904). Inland records. Oct. 30, 1891, Oct. 24, 1895, East Hartford (W. E. T., latter specimen in coll. of J. H. S.). Unusual records. Nov. 4, 1896, Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven, a wounded bird taken (L. B. B.) ; May 19, 1904, same place, one seen (L. B. B.). Pisobia bairdi (Coues). Baird's Sandpiper. A rare and probably accidental fall migrant. Connecticut records. Oct. 28, 1887, West Haven, a female shot, Oct. 19, 1889, a male shot (L. B. W.) -^ Nov. 3, 1888, Strat- ford, female taken (C. K. A., Jr.) f Sept. 29, 1894, Bridgeport, two taken by H. H. Taylor (Eames) ; fall, 1901, Saybrook, several taken (J. N. C.) ; Sept. 14, 1904, West Haven, young 1 Auk, vii, I, p. 81 * Auk, vi, 2, p. ij 58 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. male taken by A. Ganung (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Sept. 9, 1910, Bridgeport, female taken (H. W. B.). Pisobia minutilla (Vieillot). Least Sandpiper. A common spring and fall migrant along the coast; not rare inland. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 8, 1900, May 6, 1905 (A. A. S.). Latest record. June 5, 1894. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, July 14, 1904. Latest record. Sept. 22, 1883. The old birds pass south about the middle of July, and the young birds follow during August and the first half of September. Inland records. May 19, 1883, Portland, one taken (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Sept. 9, 1892, Middletown, four killed (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; May 23, 1893, East Hartford (W. E. T.) ; May 17, 1895, Portland, three shot by C. H. N. (two in coll. of J. H. S.). Pelidna alpina sakhalina (Vieillot). Red-backed Sandpiper. A rare spring and tolerably common late fall migrant along the coast. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 25, 1903. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 29, 1895. Spring record. May 19, 1904, Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven (L. B. B.). Almost all specimens of this Sandpiper taken in Connecticut are young birds. A young female in the collection of L. B. B., shot by A. Ganung in West Haven, Sept. 29, 1904, is almost as small as a European Dunlin (Pelidna alpina alpi^ia) : length, 8.44; culmen, 1.42; wing, 4.51; tarsus, 1.12. It was very lean, as if it had traveled far without resting, whereas our Red-backed Sand- pipers are usually very fat in the fall. It is only a trifle larger than an adult female Dunlin from England; but, as the chief character separating these races is the length of the bill, and as the bills of most sandpipers do not reach their full size until late in the first fall, it seems safer to consider this bird merely an unusually small Red-backed Sandpiper. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 59 Ereunetes pusillus (Linnaeus). Semipalmated Sandpiper. An abundant spring and fall migrant on the coast; not rare inland. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May ii, 1897. Latest record. New Haven, June i, 1894. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, July 30, 1896. Latest record. Oct. 23, 1894. The adults go south in August, Aug. 2 (1894) to Aug. 27 (1895), and the young follow in August, September, and October, Aug. 9 (1882) to Oct. 23 (1894). Inland records. Sept. 25, 1890, Middletown, one killed (J. H. S.) ; Oct. 7, 1891, Middletown, seen by W. E. T. and S. R. A partially albinistic young female with the wings largely white, in the collection of L. B. B., was taken in West Haven, Oct. 2, 1903, by A. Ganung. Breeding record. The only breeding record is that appearing in Merriam,^ of the four eggs found by Nichols in Branford, July 20, 1877; but an examination of the only one of these four eggs now extant (in the Brewer collection in the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge), by Mr. Outram Bangs and L. B. B., has proven this to be an unusually small egg of Actitis macularia. It does not resemble eggs of either the Semipalmated or the Least Sandpiper in shape, color, or markings, while in all these respects it is typical of Actitis macularia. We have there- fore no breeding record of E. pusillus. Ereunetes mauri Cabanis. Western Sandpiper. Probably occurs regularly in the fall, but in so small numbers as to escape notice. Connecticut records. Sept. 4, 1889, Lyme, six seen and three shot by W. E. T. (in coll. of J. H. S.) f Aug. 17, 1892, Clinton, young female taken (H. W. F.) ; Aug. 27, 1895, Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven, young female shot (L. B. B.). Calidris leucophaea (Pallas). Sanderling. Formerly an abundant spring and fall migrant ; now rare, and occurring regularly only in the fall. iMerriam, Birds of Conn., p. 105. ' Auk, ix, 4, p. 389. 6o CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [BuU. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 20, 1902. Latest record. Oct. 20, 1902. Spring record. May 13, 1878, Saybrook, one male taken by H. W. F. (in coll. of Brewster). Inland record. Sept. 12, 1894, one male taken at East Hart- ford by W. E. T. (in coll. of J. H. S.). Linsley took it at Stratford. Merriam^ says it " occurs during migrations, and is extremely abundant in fall." Limosa fedoa (Linnaeus). Marbled Godwit. Connecticut records. Aug., 1842, Stratford, an adult female (?) (Linsley, in coll. of Bpt. Sci. Soc.) ; Aug. 26, 1909, West Haven, adult female shot by Wm. Ganung (in coll. of L. B. B.). Limosa haemastica (Linnaeus). Hudsonian Godwit. Connecticut records. Stratford (Linsley- and E. H. Austin).^ On page 178 in the copy of Nuttall's Ornithology (Water Birds) owned by the late Dr. J. Barratt, of Middletown, Conn., is the following marginal note, in his handwriting, relating to this species : " A pair shot by Jenkins Oct. 25, 1845 — these were bought by me and set up." (J. H. S.) Oct. 30, 1852, Lyme, taken by Jno. C. Comstock (MS. Journal of Jno. C. Comstock, J. H. S.) ; Oct. 11, 1897, Little River Marshes, Middletown, one shot by L. E. King (in coll. of J. H. S.). Totanus melanoleucus (Gmelin). Greater Yellow-legs. A tolerably common spring and more common fall migrant, but becoming rarer at both seasons. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 21, 1897; Portland, May 3, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, June 4, 1900; Portland, June 5, 1882; Litchfield, June 9, 1905 (E. S. W.). Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 3, 1886; Portland, Sept. 24, 1881. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 3, 1906; Portland, Oct. 27, 1894. Unusual records. March 25, 1893, West Haven (L. C. S.) ; Nov. 22, 1895, West Haven, wounded bird (A. H. V.) ; July, iMerriam, Birds of Conn., p. 107. «Am. Jour, of Sci. and Arts, [i] xliv, 2, p. 267. ^Averill, Birds of Bridgeport, p. 8. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 61 1897, New Haven, ten taken (Trowbridge) ; Dec. ii, 1902, Port- land (J. H. S.). Tetanus flavipes (Gmelin). Yellow-legs. A common fall migrant on the coast ; less common on the inland waterways. Earliest record. New Haven, July 26, 1894. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 10, 1883. The young pass south in August and September, July 30 (1896) to Oct. 13 (1903). Spring records. May 7, 1877, near Meriden, on a fresh-water pond (Merriam) ;^ May 20, 1897, New Haven, one seen (L. B. W. ). Summer record. July 21, 1900, North Haven, eighteen taken (H. W. R). Helodromas solitarius solitarius (Wilson). Solitary Sand- piper, A tolerably common spring and fall migrant in May, August, and September. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 10, 1898, April 29, 1905 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May i, 1905; Litch- field, April 27, 1905 (E. S. W.). Latest record. New Haven, May 26, 1882; Portland, May 19, 1909; Litchfield, May 31, 1892 (E. S. W.). Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 7, 1903 ; Portland, Sept. 8, 1887. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 6, 1897; Portland, Oct. 13, 1892. * Unusual records. June 10 (Grinnell).^ East Hartford, July 19, 1887, one shot, July 14, 1888 (W. E. T.). Catoptrophorus semipalmatus semipalmatus (Gmelin), Willet. Connecticut records. Linsley found it breeding at Stratford. Merriam^ records that Grinnell took it late in the summer at Mil- ford, and that W. W, C. took a nest containing three eggs at Madison, June 5, 1873. An adult in the Linsley collection of the 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. io8. 62 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY, [Bull. Bpt. Sci. Soc. and a young specimen in the Averill collection of the Bpt. Sci. Soc. were taken at Stratford, the latter on Aug. 9, 1888. Aug. 12, 1887, West Haven, one from a flock of three shot by W. G. Van Name. Catoptrcphorus semipalmatus inornatus (Brewster). West- ern Willet. Connecticut records. Sept. 3, 1885, West Haven, one young taken (in coll. of L. C. S.) ; Oct., 1888, Fayerweather Island, found dead by Averill (subspecies doubtful) ; Aug. 15, 1897, Stony Creek, two taken from small flock by A. H. V. ( in coll. of A. E. V. and L. B. B.) ; Oct., 1904, West Haven, eighteen taken by A. Ganung [ ?] ; Aug. 26, 1909, West Haven, one young (W. Ganung, in coll. of L. B. B.). Bartramia longicauda (Bechstein). Upland Plover. Bartra- mian Sandpiper. Formerly a common summer resident, breeding here; now a rare spring and fall migrant, more often heard than seen when migrating. Spring records. May 2, 1874, Portland, three seen (J. H. S.) ; May 3, 1901, New Haven (L. B. B.) ; May 10, 1905, Litch- field (E. S. W.) ; May 30, 1907, Washington (L. B. B.).^ Fall records. Sept. 20, 1882, West Haven (Baldwin) ; Sept. I, 1886, Guilford (L. B. B.) ; Aug. 30, 1886, Aug. 13, 1895, 1903, New Haven (L. B. B.) ; Sept. 6, 1901, Litchfield ( E. S. W.) ; Sept. 5, 1910, Bridgeport, male taken (H. W. B.). Summer records. Aug. i, 1885, Portland (J. H. S.) ; July 3, 1888, Litchfield (L. B. W.) ; July 2y, 1905, Litchfield (E. S. W.). Season unrecorded. 1873, Stamford, several seen in hands of a taxidermist (Hoyt) ; 1874-6, Greenwich Point, seen (Hoyt). Breeding records. Merriam^ was informed by W. W. C. (1877) that large numbers of them bred on Plum Island off New London; June 8, 1879, Winchester, a set of eggs taken by Wil- liams (H. K. J.) ;^ May, 1902, Torrington, a pair evidently breeding found by Hanson (H. K. J.) f summer, 1904, Litchfield, pair with young seen (reported by E. S. W.). > Bird Lore, ix, 5, p. 217. ''Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 109. 3 Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 295. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 63 Tryngites subruficollis (Vieillot). Buff-breasted Sandpiper. A rare straggler in the fall. Merriam^ (1877) records that J. G. Ely reports two killed near Saybrook " a few years ago," and Dr. Crary has one in his collection shot near Hartford " some years ago." Sept. 6, 1889, Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven, a young male taken (E. L. Munson, in coll. of Porter) ; Sept. 30, 1895, same place, a young male (C. C. Trowbridge). Actitis macularia (Linngeus). Spotted Sandpiper. A common summer resident from May to August, the adults almost all going south before the middle of July. Earliest record. New Haven, April 22, 1889, 1903 ; Portland, April 18, 1899. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 27, 1882 ; Portland, Oct. 15, 1895. Nest. Eggs laid in a field of grain, the grass of a meadow, or a clump of weeds, usually not far from the water. Eggs. 4; laid early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 24, 1897, four eggs (Hill). Latest record. June 19, 1893, four eggs (Watrous) ; July 2, 1904, two eggs, almost hatched, but deserted (L. B. B.). Numenius americanus Bechstein. Long-billed Curlew. The only records for this species in addition to Linsley's record of taking it at Stratford appear in Merriam •} Capt. Brooks, Faulkner's Island, reported that " occasionally one stops here in the fall ;" summer, 1873, Milford, seen by Grinnell ; Saybrook, sometimes occurs in the fall, but rare (J. N. C.) ; taken near Hart- ford (Dr. Crary). A young bird of this species is in the Linsley collection of the Bpt. Sci. Soc. Numenius hudsonicus Latham. Hudsonian Curlew. A rare straggler in spring and fall. Connecticut records. Linsley took it at Stratford, and Dr. Crary at Hartford.^ Shot at Lyme, Sept. 27, 1853, by J. C. Com- > Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 109. 64 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Stock, and his MS. journal contains this entry: "Lyme, Aug. i6, 1858, large flocks of this species " (J. H. S.). Aug. 27, 1877, Saybrook, two specimens killed (one in coll. of W. W. C.) ; June 4, 1886, East Haven, one shot (Mitchell, in coll. of L. C. S.) ; July 26, 1890, Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven, one seen (L. C. S. and Trowbridge) ; c. May 18, 1896, Milford (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Sept. 19, 1900, New Haven, three shot (seen in mar- ket by L. C. S.) ; Sept. 20, 1904, West Haven, young female taken by A. Ganung (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Sept. 13, 1909, Sept. 4, 191 1, Fairfield (H. W. B.). Numenius borealis (J. R. Forster). Eskimo Curlew. Formerly an accidental visitor in the fall migration. Connecticut records. Linsley took it at Stratford, and J. N. C. has a fine specimen killed at Saybrook, Oct. 13, 1874;^ Sept., 1886, West River Marshes, New Haven, one killed by flying against a wire, given to L. C. S. ; Sept. 12, 1889, Quinnipiac Marshes, New Haven, a male taken by E. L. Munson (in coll. of Porter). Family CHARADRHD^. Plovers. Squatarola squatarola (Linnaeus). Black-bellied Plover. The young are sometimes tolerably common along the coast in the fall migration, but the adults are always rare. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 28, 1894. Latest record. New Haven, May 30, 1894. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 13, 1904; Stamford, Sept. 2, 1892 (Porter). Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 21, 1903. Linsley took it at Stratford. Merrianr recorded the taking of a specimen in the fall (no date) at the mouth of the Con- necticut River by W. W. C, and several taken by Dr. F. W. Hall, Oct. 18, 1873. An adult female in the collection of Porter was taken at Stamford, Sept. 2, 1892. Charadrius dominicus dominicus (Miiller). Golden Plover. A rare fall migrant ; formerly " common during migrations."^ ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 109. 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 102. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 65 Fall migration. Earliest record. Guilford, Aug. 27, 1883. Latest record. West Haven, Oct. 25, 1909 (A. Ganung). Merriam^ records that Capt. Brooks informed him that they were " plenty at Guilford in spring and early fall," and occa- sional in the fall, at Faulkner's Island ; Linsley found it at Strat- ford, and W. W. C. recorded it from Portland. Other records. " Plentiful at Lyme, Sept. i, 1858, 104 being shot on that day by John Grumley " (MS. notes of J. C. Corn- stock, J. H. S.) ; Aug. 27, 30, 1883, Guilford, three adults seen and one secured (L. B. B.) ; Oct. 24, 1885, Hartford, a young male flushed from a stubble field (W. E. T.) f Sept. 3, 1886, Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven [?], a young bird taken (A. H. v., in Peabody Museum) ; Sept. 12, 1889, same place, one taken (Munson) ; Oct. 17, 1893, Portland, one shot (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Sept. 25 to Oct. 2, 1903, West Haven, about twenty taken (A. Ganung) ; Sept. 20-1, 1904, four young, Oct. 20, 1906, fifteen, Oct. 7, 1907, two, Sept. 15, Oct. 25, 1909, one, all at West Haven (A. Ganung, many of these in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Sept. 19, 1908, Sept. 10, 1909, Sept. 4, 1911, Stratford (H. W. B.). Oxyechus vociferus (Linnaeus). Killdeer. A rather rare summer resident, apparently increasing during the last decade. Earliest record. New Haven, March 6, 1902; Portland, Feb. 24, 1875 (W. W. C.).i Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 27, 191 1 (H. K. J.) ; Middle- town, Nov. 6, 1908 (J. H. S.). Connecticut records. Mr. J. C. Comstock, in his MS. notes, records seeing them at Lyme during the whole winter of 185 1-2 (J. H. S.) ; April 5, 1875, Middletown, male killed (J. H. S.) ; March 12, 1886, Saybrook (J. N. C.) ; Aug. 4, 1886, Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven, one taken (Munson) ; April 22, 1887, New Haven (L. B. W., one in coll. of L. C. S.) ; April 16, 1888, New Haven (Webb) ; summer, 1889, North Haven (Mun- son) ; Feb. i, 1889, May 23, 1902, May 25, July 2, 1904, taken, Sept. 15, 1902, Aug. 13, 1903, heard, near New Haven (L. B. B.) ; Nov., 1892, New Haven (seen in gun store, Dec, by L. 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 102. 2 Auk, iv, I, p. 78. 5 66 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull, B. B.) ; July 28, 1894, Bloomfield, adult and young (W. E. T., in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Aug. 18, 1894, East Haven, three shot, Aug. 21, one shot (recorded by H. W. F.) ; July 9, 1896, East Hartford, adult and young (W. E. T., in coll. of L. B. B.) ; May, 1901, Newtown (Hamlin) ; March 6, 1902, Stony Creek (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; July 17-18, 1905, Mt. Tom (H. Sanford) ; Oct. 8, 1906, one, Oct. II, three, Oct. 13, one shot, West Haven (A. Ganung, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Nov. 6, 1908, Middletown (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; March 18, 191 1, Milford, male (H. W. B.~) ; Oct. 2'j, 191 1, West Haven (H. K. J.). Breeding records. According to Merriam,^ W. W. C. in- formed him (1877) that it bred on Plum Island and in the vicinity of Portland ; Guilford, two eggs collected many years ago (E. C. M. Hall, in Peabody Museum) ; " about twenty years ago," a set of eggs taken in Winchester by Williams (H. K. J.) f May 14, 1898, Darien, four eggs taken (Howes) f July, 1901, Bridgewater, nest with four eggs found (recorded by G. L. Ham- lin) ; 1906, Danbury, a pair watched nesting and rearing their young (G. L. Hamlin). Formerly nested in Bloomfield in con- siderable numbers. An unusual flight of Killdeer took place along the New Eng- land coast the latter part of November, 1888. Only two speci- mens, however, were reported from Connecticut.* ^ffigialitis semipalmata (Bonaparte). Semipalmated Plover. A common spring and fall migrant along the coast in May, August, and September ; rare inland. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May ii, 1897; East Haven, May i, 1880 (Woolsey). Latest record. New Haven, June i, 1894. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, July 30, 1896. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 31, 1902. Inland records. June 4, 1875, Portland, female taken by C. H. N. (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Sept. 17, 1891, East Hartford, one shot (W. E. T.) ; May 22, 1894, Portland, specimen shot by C. H. N.; June 3, 1905, Litchfield (E. S. W.). 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 102. a Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 296. ^Oologist, xxviii, 1911, p. 151. 1895. Winter records. Dec. 19, 1884, Jan. 20, 1896, Portland; Jan. and Feb., 1894, Lake Saltonstall, East Haven (A. J. G.) ; last week in Dec, 1901, North Haven (Ludington) : Feb. 20, 1882, Melrose (Thompson) ;^ Jan. 16, 1883, Saybrook (J, N. C.);2 Feb. 16, 191 1, Portland (J. H. S.). Nest. Most frequently in an evergreen, but occasionally in a deciduous tree or in the fork of a kalmia, at the height of from three to fifteen feet from the ground. Eggs. 2 ; in May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 29, 1894, two eggs (L. B. B.). Latest record. July 27, 1889, Norwalk, two fresh eggs (W. L C.).^ Order RAPTORES. Birds of Prey. Suborder SARCORHAMPHI. American Vultures. Family CATHARTID^. American Vultures. Cathartes aura septentrionalis Wied. Turkey Vulture; Turkey Buzzard. A rare visitor from the south. Connecticut records. Linsley recorded it as " not uncom- mon " when he was a child, " having at that period counted twenty in a flock in Northford in the month of August;" while an old hunter told J. N. C. that they used to be very common about the mouth of the Connecticut;* Merriam further records that Dr. W. O. Ayers took one at New Haven in 1853, J. N. C. saw them at Saybrook prior to 1873, Dr. Wood saw one at East Windsor Hill in 1874, Rev. J. H. Hand took one at Cromwell, 1 O. and O,, vii, 23, p. 181. 'O. and O., viii, 10, p. 80. * Oologist, vi, 12, p. 231. \* L. B. B. saw a specimen in Warren, Litchfield County, June 7, 1900, and E. S. W. saw one in Litchfield, July i, 1893, and July 4, 1905. These last are our only inland records during breed- ing season. Suborder STRIGES. Owls. Family ALUCONID.F:. Barn Owls. Aluco pratincola (Bonaparte). Barn Owl. A very rare accidental visitor from the south. Connecticut records. Merriam^ notes the following: Linsley took it at Stratford; about 1841, Hartford (Ayres) ; Oct. 28, 1868, Sachem's Head (in coll. of Wood) ; " some years ago " (before 1877), Madison (in coll. of Capt. Brooks). Later records. About 1875, Stamford, one taken (Schaler) ; June 15, 1891, Leesville, one shot by W. Chase (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Aug. 28, 1891, Litchfield, one shot (in coll. of L. B. W.) f 1892, Winsted, nest with six young in an old factory found by H. Kinney (H. K. J.) f 1893, same locality, same nest, set of seven eggs taken by Williams (H. K. J.) ; June 25, 1896, Port- land, a young male taken (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Sept. 11, 1903, Stratford, male (in coll. of L. C. S.) ; Sept. 14, 1906, Portland, ' O. and O., xvii, ii, p. 172. ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 88. *0. and O., x, 6, p. 89. ♦Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 297. 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 66-7. • A*k, ix, 2, p. 202. 'Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 298. 86 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. one shot (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Jan. 15, 191 1, East Hartford, one taken (in coll. of J. H. S.). C. L. R. has recorded several specimens from New London County. Family STRIGID^. Homed Owls, etc. Asio wilsonianus (Lesson). Long-eared Owl. A common winter and rare summer resident. Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 25, 1904; Portland, Oct. 8, 1892. Latest record. New Haven, March 21, 1904; Portland, March 25, 1875. Nesting records. April (prior to 1877), Berlin, nest with four eggs (Brandegee) ;^ April 25, 1880, Ellington, five eggs taken (J. M. Wade) ;' spring, 1881, Bristol, a set of eggs taken (E. N. Brandegee) ; May 9, 1886, Woodbridge, nest with four young (Augur) ; May, 1890, Northford, set of four eggs (Trowbridge, in Trinity College Museum). Other summer records. July i, 1885, Litchfield (L. B. W.) ; April 24, 1906, New Haven (L. B. W.) ; May i, 1906, North Haven (L. B. B.). Asio flammeus (Pontoppidan). Short-eared Owd. A common fall and tolerably common spring migrant; most frequently noted in October and March; winters rarely. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 2, 1894, Feb. 17, 1905 (Sherman) ; Portland, Feb. 9, 191 1. Latest record. New Haven, March 31, 1896; Portland, April 29, 1883. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 7, 1906; Portland, Oct. 8, 1890. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 29, 1884; Portland, Dec. 12, 1903. A favorite haunt of these birds is the salt-water marshes, where they sometimes congregate in flocks. Between sixteen and twenty of these Owls were found by L. B. B. in the marshes at Guilford, Oct. 17, 1890, more than half of them being within a space twenty yards square. Breeding records. " Nests on the ground. Not uncommon " (Merriam).^ Dr. William Wood of East Windsor Hill recorded^ 1 ]\Ierriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 69, 70. ' O. and O., vii, pp. 161-2. ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 70. * O. and O., ix, i, pp. lo-ii. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 87 that a nest was found " some thirty years ago " half a mile from his office, the nest being on elevated ground, in a meadow, and composed of fine grass, and containing four eggs; 1876, an egg presumably of this species found in the grass at Groton Long Point, and brought to C. L. R.^ Strix varia varia Barton. Barred Owl. A common resident along the coast; rarer in the interior, where it is most common during October and November. Nest. Usually in a hollow tree or in the deep crotch of a tree ; frequently in old hawks' nests ; most common location a chestnut tree; height from the ground, 6 to 45 feet; nest often heavily feathered, and so deep as to hide bird from observation. Eggs. 2-4 (of 22 nests recorded by C. L. R.,^ 7 contained 3 eggs and 15 contained 2 eggs each) ; March 25 — April 15. Nesting dates. Earliest record. March 17, 1886, one egg (L. B. B.). Latest record. May 10, 1879, two eggs (C. L. R.). J. N. C. wrote L. B. B. that he considered this species " the most destructive enemy of birds, game, and domestic fowls among all the Hawks and Owls." In the winter the numbers of the resident birds are often augmented by a flight from the north. This was the case in the winter of 1882-3, when twenty-six were brought to Mr. Herr- man, then taxidermist of the Peabody Museum ; and again in the fall of 1894, when twenty-five were brought to A. H. V. to be mounted. Scotiaptex nebulosa nebulosa (J. R. Forster). Great Gray Owl. A very rare straggler from the north. Connecticut records. Jan. 6, 1843, Stratford, one taken (Linsley) f Jan. 22, 1893, North Haven, a male secured by a farmer (A. H. V., in Peabody Museum) ; March, 1907, East Haven, one secured by an Italian and sold to a restaurant in New Haven, where it was purchased, a then freshly mounted specimen, by L. C. S. 1 O. and O., xvi, 4, p. 59. ' O. and O., X, 2, p. 25; xiii, 3, pp. 37-40. ^Am. Jour. Sci. and Arts, [i] xliv, 2, p. 253; recorded by Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 70. 88 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT, HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Cryptoglaux funerea richardsoni (Bonaparte). Richard- son's Owl. An extremely rare accidental visitor. The only records for this state are: mid-winter, about i860, near East Windsor, one captured and presented to Dr. Wood:^ Nov, 12, 1906, Kent, a male found dead by an Indian woman (obtained by H. K. J., in coll. of L. B. B.).^ Crj^toglaux acadica acadica (Gmelin). Saw-whet Owl. A rather rare resident, most frequently observed in the win- ter, but breeding rarely. Of the 42 records which we have for this species, 39 were between October 12 and March 28, the other 3 being summer records. This Owl has been recorded from the vicinity of Port- land (19 times, J. H. S.), New Haven (9), Stamford (3), Bridgeport (2), Milford (2), Chester, Stony Creek, Fairfield, Winsted (i each), Litchfield (4), thus showing a pretty general distribution. Merriam^ is of the opinon that the apparent scarce- ness of the bird may rather be due to its " diminutive size and nocturnal habits." Summer records. April i, 1894, Chester, a set of five eggs taken by H. Bennett (in coll. of H. W. F.) ; June 8, 1896, Bridge- port, one seen, and later its nest probably identified (Beers) ; May, 1895 (?), Winsted, a pair with three young seen in an old Crow's nest (Williams).'* These little owls seem to suffer both from the weather and from the persecution of larger owls. One in the coll. of Porter was found dead in very cold weather, and their remains have been found in the woods several times by L. B. B. One found April 10, 1893, had been apparentl)^ killed by an owl ; and another was found in the stomach of a Barred Owl, which had been shot at Lake Saltonstall, March 3, 1883. Development of both ovaries has been seen once by L. B. B. Otus asio asio (Linnaeus). Screech Owl. A tolerably common resident. Nest. In a hollow tree, most frequently an apple tree in an orchard. 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 73. 2 Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 298 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 74. *Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 299. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 89 Eggs. 4 or 5 ; the last of April. Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 9, 1910, three eggs (C. G. H.). Latest record. May 9, 1892, two eggs (Beers). This species frequents even our largest cities, as one was seen by L. B. B. on New Haven Green on the evening of Feb. 22, 1885, and another on April 3, 1893. Bubo virginianus virginianus (Gmelin). Great Horned Owl, A tolerably common resident, especially of the wilder por- tions of the state. Nest. This owl usually occupies the old nest of a hawk, crow, or squirrel, though occasionally building for itself. Height: 45-75 feet from the ground. Location: most frequently in a hemlock or pine, or perhaps a chestnut or cedar. Eggs. 2-3 ; last of February or early in March. Nesting dates. Earliest record. Feb. 19, 1877, two eggs (J. H. S.) ; March 9, 1904, three young (L. B. B.). Latest record. April 25, 1902, two eggs (Hill). L. B. B. and H. K. J. have both noted an unusual habit of the parent birds in apparently destroying the nest when the young become old enough to balance themselves in the fork of the tree, thus removing the conspicuous nest and leaving the bird well protected by the harmony of its colors with the bark of the tree. Nyctea nyctea (Linnaeus). Snowy Owl. At present a rather rare and irregular winter resident, prob- ably absent most winters, but occasionally occurring in consider- able numbers, especially along the coast. Most frequently re- corded in November and December. Earliest record. Stamford, Sept. 18 (Schaler), Oct., 1874 (Hoyt). Latest record. Branford, April 15, 1902 (G. V. Smith). Recent records. Although this species was noted pretty regu- larly up to 1890 or thereabout, records in later years have been growing increasingly scarce. During the winter of 190 1-2 large numbers of Snowy Owls appeared on the New England coast and not a few of them reached Connecticut; captures were re- ported during this period from Stonington, Mystic, Noank, New London, and Niantic by Hill, from Saybrook by J. N. C., from Clinton by J. Peck, from Milford by L. C. S., and from Branford 90 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. by L. B. B. About April 15, 1902, Branford (G. V. Smith) ; Nov. 18, 1905, Nov. 20, 1906, Portland (J. H. S.) ; Nov. 19, 1905, Stamford (Porter) ; Nov., 1905, New Haven (L. C. S. and L. B. B.) ; Dec. 23, 1905, Danbury (J. C. A. M.) ; Nov. 22, 19 10, New Haven (Minor). Surnia ulula caparoch (Miiller). Hawk Owl. The following are the only records for this state : Nov., 1869, New Haven, bird secured by Dr. F. W. Hall (recorded by Mer- riam^ as the first Connecticut specimen) ; winter, 1879, near Stamford, one seen at a distance of twenty feet in flight and plainly identified (Hoyt). Order COCCYGES. Cuckoos, etc. Suborder CUCULI. Cuckoos, etc. Family CUCULID^. Cuckoos, Anis, etc. Subfamily Coccyzin^. American Cuckoos. Coccyzus americanus americanus (Linnaeus). Yellow- billed Cuckoo. A tolerably common summer resident from the middle of May to the middle of September. Earliest record. New Haven, May 10, 1894, May 8, 1894 (A. H. V.) ; Portland, May 7, 1895. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 16, 1900; Portland, Oct. 17, 1894. Nest. Usually in a bush or slender tree in a thicket ; height from ground, 5 to 10 feet (one 40 feet) ; composed of sticks and twigs, and just large enough to hold the eggs. Eggs. 3-5 ; usually early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 24, 1898, four eggs (J. H. H.). Latest record. Aug. 26, 1889, two eggs (W. L C.)^ Unusual records. June 7, 1894, a nest containing two eggs of this species and two of the Black-billed Cuckoo, with the female Yellow-billed sitting, was found by L. B. B. ; about 1877, a single egg found in a Robin's nest along with eggs of the latter 'IMerriam, Birds of Conn., p. 73. 'Oologist, vi, 12, p. 231. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 9I species (L. B. B.) ; two nests with five eggs each, found in sum- mer of 1884 (C. E. L.).^ In a single apple tree, J. C. A. M. found, June 15, 1902, nests containing either eggs or young of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, the Scarlet Tanager, Robin, Baltimore Oriole, Wood Thrush, and Least Flycatcher. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (Wilson). Black-billed Cuckoo. A common but irregular summer resident from the middle of May to August; not nearly as plentiful now as in the nineties. Earliest record. New Haven, May 10, 1904, May 7, 1905 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, April 23, 1886; Litchfield, May 9, 1905 (E. S. W.). Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 14, 1903, Sept. 21, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Sept. 28, 1875 (Merriam);^ Portland, Sept. 19, 1899; Litchfield, Sept. 21, 1891 (L. B. W.) ; East Hartford, Oct. 3, 1887 (W. E. T.). Nest. In a small bush or young tree in a thicket or occa- sionally in an orchard; 2 to 12 feet from the ground. Eggs. 2-4, usually 3 ; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 18, 1891, one Qgg (J. G. A. M.). Latest record. Aug. 2, 1881, three eggs (L. B. B.). Unusual records. May 29, 1896, nest containing three eggs of C. erythrophthalmus and one of C. a. americanus, and June 6, 1897, two eggs of the former with one of the latter (L. B. B.), in both instances the Black-billed Cuckoo being on the nest; June 7, 1893, nest containing seven eggs of the Black-billed Cuckoo (L; B, B.) ; June 10, 1894, three eggs, of which one measured only .75 by .61 inch (J. C. A. M.). Suborder ALCYONES. Kingfishers. Family ALCEDINID^. Kingfishers. Ceryle alcyon (Linnaeus). Belted Kingfisher. A common summer resident from April to October; rarely wintering. Earliest record. New Haven, April 3, 1902, March 27, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, April 5, 1893. 1 O. and O., ix, lo, p. 128. " Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 63. 92 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY, [Bull. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 4, 1901, Nov. 13, 1875 (Merriam) ;^ Portland, Nov. 22, 1895. Winter records. Feb. 13, 1874, Hartford (Humphrey) ;^ Jan. 14, 1883, Portland (W. W. C.) f Jan. 15, 1883, Middletown (C. H. N.) f Feb. 14, 1888, Seymour (Fames) ; Feb. 17, 1902, Say- brook (J. N. C.) ; Jan. 17, 1905, Stamford (Vanhavenberg, re- corded by Hoyt) ; winter, 1905-6, a number wintering in Stam- ford (Porter) ; Jan. 20, 1906, North Haven (E. S. W.) ; New Haven, one seen, Dec. 25, 1905 — March 7, 1906, and Dec. 5, 1906 — March 17, 1907 (A. A. S.). Nest. A burrow excavated in a sand-bank to the depth of 4/^ to 7 feet ; no nesting material as a rule for fresh eggs, while those incubated repose on a mass of small fish bones and scales. Eggs. 4-10, usually 7; latter part of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 9, 1881, six eggs (Beers). Latest record. July 2, 1881, seven young (L. B. B.). Unusual records. June, 1881, Litchfield, nest with ten young (L. B. W.). May 10, 1904, a hole was found in a sand-bank near New Haven by L. B. B. about which a pair of Rough-winged Swallows were frying. Early in the morning of Monday, May 23, neither hole nor swallows were to be seen, all evidence of the former having disappeared by the caving of the bank, caused by the re- moval of sand. After some effort the entrance was found, a stick passing easily through the loose sand that concealed it. At a depth of about five feet a male Kingfisher was found sitting on seven eggs and a round pebble about the size of an Q^g%. This bird must have remained there imprisoned since the carting of sand ceased on Saturday, although with one stroke of its power- ful bill it could have regained its freedom, to burrow out being, apparently, beyond its mental power. Order PICI. Woodpeckers, Wrynecks, etc. Family PICID^. Woodpeckers. Dryobates villosus villosus (Linnseus). Hair}' Wood- pecker. ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 63. 'O. and O., viii, 3, p. 24. ' O. and O., viii, 4, p. 32. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 93 A tolerably common resident; apparently more numerous in the winter. Nest. In a cavity in a living limb, but usually a short distance below a dead limb of sufficient size to affect the density of the wood below. Location, an apple tree in an orchard or a deciduous tree in the woods. Height from ground, usually between 15 and 30 feet. Eggs. 2-4; early in May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 30, 1904, two eggs (L. B. B.). Latest record. May 30, 1901, four eggs (Hill). Dryobates pubescens medianus (Swainson). Downy Woodpecker. A common resident. Nest. Usually in the dead limb of a tree in the orchard, woods, or along the roadside. (Of 13 nests recorded by J. H. S. six were located in willow trees or stumps, the remainder in poplars, maples, and black birch trees.) Height from ground, 10-40 feet. Building, April 30 — June 3. Eggs. 4-5; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 16, 1896, five eggs (H. W. F.) ; May 16, 1899, five eggs (Hill). Latest record, June 12, 1882, four eggs (J. H. S.). Both the Downy and the Hairy Woodpecker excavate holes during the fall in which they pass the winter nights. Picoides arcticus (Swainson). Arctic Three-toed Wood- pecker. Merriam^ records that a specimen was taken at Simsbury in i860 (in Shurtleff coll., Wesleyan University Museum), and that Dr. Wood had taken it at East Windsor Hill. These are the only Connecticut records. Sphyrapicus varius varius (Linnaeus). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. A tolerably common spring and fall migrant in April, Octo- ber, and November; rarely wintering. ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 64. 94 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 2, 1888 ; Portland, April 9, 1875. Latest record. New Haven, April 2.'j, 1900; Portland, April 23, 1902. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 28, 1898, Sept. 16, 1887 (H. W. F.) ; Portland, Sept. 17, 1894. Latest record. New Haven, Dec. 2, 1882; Portland, Oct. 25, 1896. Winter records. Dec. 17, 1881, New Haven, young female taken (L. B. B.) ; Feb. 10, 1899, New Haven, one taken (Osborne and Austin). Summer records. May 10, 1887, Portland (J. H. S.) ; May 6, 1893, Fairfield (Fames, in coll. of Beers). Breeding record. H. K. J. reports^ that Mr. Williams has in his possession two sets of eggs found in two nests in Winsted about 1893. Phlceotomus pileatus abieticola (Bangs). Northern Pileated Woodpecker. A rare winter and spring visitant; very rarely breeding. Connecticut records. Linsley reported it from Stratford and New Haven f W. W. C. noted one killed in Portland in Novem- ber, 1876;^ King took one at Suffield " several years ago " (prior to 1877) f spring, 1879, Stamford, two seen and plainly identified (Hoyt) ; Nov. i, 1890, Granby, one taken by Welch (J. H. S.) f May 10, 1894, Neversink Swamp, Danbury, one seen (Hamlin) ; winter, 1894-5, Granby, one seen (Welch) ; Dec, 1900, Cornwall, one seen;* June 13, 1903, New Hartford, one shot by Sweetland (in coll. of J. H. S.). Breeding records. May 30, 1901, Torrington, nest with one young found 20 feet from the ground in a pine tree in a very large cavity (Hanson) f Mr. Williams found nests of this species a dozen years ago (1896) in the vicinity of Litchfield.^ Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linnaeus). Red-headed Woodpecker. A rare fall migrant; a very rare spring migrant and summer resident; an irregular winter resident; formerly an abundant resident. •H. K. Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 299. "Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 64. ^Auk, X, 4, p. 371. *Auk, xviii, 2, p. 193. eH. K. Job. The Sport of Bird Study, p. 300. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 95 Old records. Dr. Wood of East Windsor Hill recorded^ in 1881 that " forty years ago they were about as common as the Yellow-hammer [Flicker] in this part of the state. They en- tirely disappeared in 1847, ^^^ I did not see another specimen until i860." Prof. Silliman informed Prof. A. E. Verrill in 1864 that these birds were abundant residents near New Haven as late as 1840. Linsley gave it from Stratford, and Merriam^ recorded it as rare in 1877, noting also that it was rare in the vicinity of Portland (W. W. C. and J. H. S.). Hence this bird may be considered abundant until the forties, since which time it has become increasingly rare. Fall records. Most of the recent records of this species in Connecticut are for the fall (late September and early October), when the Red-headed Woodpecker is occasionally noted accom- panying the Flickers in their fall migration. New Haven, abun- dant between Oct., 1881, and March, 1882 (L. B. B.) ; also, 12 records by L. B. ^., 3 by L. B. W., 2 by Webb, i by A. H. V. Portland, 9 fall records by J. H. S. Litchfield, 3 records by E. S. W., I by L. B. W. Stamford, 3 records by Hoyt. Bridge- port, 2 records by Beers and Eames. Breeding records. Prior to 1863, East Windsor Hill, two eggs collected by Dr. Wood (in Peabody Museum) ; prior to 1880, Guilford, one tgg taken (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; May 20, 1882, Portland, five eggs (J. H. S.) ; 1893, New Haven, nest with young (Hedges) ; May 10, 1898, New Haven, pair seen by A. H. V. and L. B. B. ; June 23, 1906, Litchfield, set of four eggs (E. S. W.) ; brood of young seen about July, 1909, New Haven (A. A. S.). Other spring records. Portland, May 15, 1883 (J. H. S.) ; New Haven, May 19, 24, 25, 1883 (L. B. B.) ; May 22, 1886^ March 7, 1887, May 10, 1888 (Webb) ; May 20, 1902, May 19, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; spring of 1908, birds se^n and nest found (N. H. Bird Club). Summer records. July 3, 1876, June 3, 1898, Portland (J. H. S.) ; summer of 1882 rather common, June 29, 1884, New Haven (L. B. B.). ' O. atid O., vi, 10, pp. 78-9. ^Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 65. 96 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST, SURVEY. [BulL Winter records. Dec. 31, 1872, Dec. 3, 1881, Dec. 30, 1895, Dec. 21, 1910, Portland (J. H. S.) ; Dec. 13, 1883, New Haven (L. B. B.). Centurus carolinus (Linnaeus). Red-bellied Woodpecker. The following are the only Connecticut records : Linsley saw one " ascending an apple tree on the i6th of October, 1842 ;" ^ Dr. Crary informed Merriam' that he had killed it near Hartford, and E. I. Shores that he had taken a female, July 30, 1874, at Sufifield. In the Linsley collection of the Bpt. Sci. Soc. is a mounted bird of this species collected by Sidney Mather, but it may not have been taken in Connecticut. Colaptes auratus luteus Bangs. Northern Flicker.' A common summer resident from April to October, the ma- jority passing through the state as migrants; a few winter regularly. Earliest record. New Haven, March 18, 1882 f Portland, March 10, 1898. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 10, 1903 ;* Portland, Nov. 3, 1908. Winter records. New Haven, Dec, 1882, 83, 96; Jan., 1882, 83, 86, 94, 95, 98, 1901, 02, 03, Feb., 1883, 1904, 1912 (L. B. B.) ; Jan., 1884 (L. C. S.) ; Portland, Dec, 1885, 1908, Jan., 1898, 1909, II, 12, Feb., 1910 (J. H. S.). Fall flight. Large numbers of these birds fly westward along the coast late in September in the fall migration, flying early in the morning and alighting on the dead tops of trees. The morn- ings on which these birds are most abundant are similar in tem- perature conditions to those formerly known as " pigeon morn- ings " — clear, cool mornings following a sudden drop in tem- perature; and, until the law protecting these birds put a stop to the practice, " Yellow-hammer shooting " filled the gap left by the extermination of the Passenger Pigebp. Poles were fastened on the tops of tall and isolated trees, and the hunter waited below, hidden under a screen of boughs, and shot the Flickers as they >/4m. Jour. Sci. and Arts, [i] xliv, p. 263; recorded also by MJerriam. * Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 65. 'Known also as the Yellow-hammer, Golden-winged Woodpecker, Highhole, and Pigeon Woodpecker. Called " Woodquoi " in Portland. ^Migrants. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 97 alighted on this pole. Recently large numbers of these birds, sometimes as many as several hundred in the course of an hour in the early morning, flying rapidly westward, have been seen by L. B. B. near New Haven, Sept. 28, 1898, Sept. 25, 1900, Sept. 29, 30, 1903, Sept. 22, 1904. Nest. A hollow excavated by the bird, or a natural cavity in a tree, at from 5 to 30 feet from the ground. Eggs. 5-10, commonly 7 or 8; latter part of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 9, 1896, five eggs (J. H. S.). Latest record. June 19, 1872, seven eggs (J. H. S.) ; July 12, 1881, six young (L. B. B.). L. B. B. found a nest, June 6, 1882, containing 11 eggs and 2 young; but, as one-half the eggs were perfectly fresh, the cavity was doubtless occupied by two females ; one taken by C. W.'W., May 21, 1888, contained 10 eggs. Forty-eight holes made by woodpeckers were counted on one side of a large dead stump in the woods at Guilford by L. B. B., March 14, 1885, about twenty of them having been made by this species. A. H. V. shot a Flicker with the upper mandible so deformed as to be useless for working on wood, Sept. 28, 1897; and L. B. B., one with the feet and head so badly infected with some kind of fungous disease that one eye was entirely closed, Oct. 16, 1906 ; both are in coll. of L. B. B. Order MACROCHIRES. Goatsuckers, Swifts, etc. Suborder CAPRIMULGI. Goatsuckers, etc. Family CAPRIMULGID^. Goatsuckers, etc. Antrostomus carolinensis (Gmelin). Chuck-will's-widow. A mounted specimen in the Peabody Museum was caught alive by Mr. Decatur Morgan in New Haven, May 17, 1889. This bird has been recorded also by Mr. A. H. Verrill.^ Antrostomus vociferus vociferus (Wilson). Whip-poor- will. A common summer resident of woodland from May to August. 1 O. and O., xiv, 6, p. 96. 7 98 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Earliest record. New Haven, April 22, 1893 ; Portland, April 23, 1886. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 17, 1900; Portland, Sept. 21, 1893. Nest. Eggs deposited on a few dead leaves on the ground, usually not far from the border of the woods. Eggs. 2 ; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 18, 1893, two eggs (J. H. S.). Latest record. July 4, 1884, two eggs (H. W. F.). Late fall records. Nov. i, 1880, Noank (C. L. R.) ;^ Oct. 5, 1901, Westville (G. V. Smith, in coll. of L. B. B.). Chordeiles virginianus virginianus (Gmelin), Nighthawk. Formerly an abundant summer resident of the open pastures from the middle of May to September; now rare through most of the state in the breeding season, and occurring commonly only in the fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 7, 1888; Portland, April 28, 1888. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 17, 1890; Portland, Oct. 10, 1902. Nest. Eggs laid on a rock, or on a bare place on the ground in a pasture; rarely on the fiat roofs of houses in the cities. Eggs. 2, rarely i ; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 26, 1896, two eggs (H. W. B.) ; May 26, 1900, two eggs (H. W. F.). Latest record. July I, 1898, two eggs (J. H. H.). Recent breeding records. Although this bird is reported as still tolerably common in the vicinity of Stamford both by Hoyt and Porter, throughout most of the state it is only a rare sum- mer resident. The last pair seen near New Haven by L. B. B. was on May 15, 1900, this pair having left the open fields where they have been so persecuted, and taken refuge in a small open- ing in the woodland. The last nest recorded by J. H. S. from the vicinity of Portland is one found June 6, 1894. A remarkable migration of these birds was witnessed by L. B. B. near Sachem's Head, Guilford, early in September, 1880 (?), late in the afternoon. Large numbers of these birds, collected 1 O. and O., V, 10, p. 7E No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 99 in a broad band that extended from horizon to horizon, were watched flying westerly not far from the coast for about a quar- ter of an hour; the number of birds still passing showing little diminution when he was obliged to leave. Suborder CYPSELI. Swifts. Family MICROPODID^. Swifts. Subfamily Ch^turin^. Spine-tailed Swifts. Chaetura pelagica (Linnaeus). Chimney Swift. An abundant summer resident from May until September. Earliest record. New Haven, April 19, 1884, April 14, 1876 (Osborne) ;^ Portland, April i8, 1896. Latest record. New Haven. Oct. 29, 1888; Portland, Oct. 11, 1877. Unusual record. New Haven, Nov. 7, 1907, one found dead after a heavy storm (L. B. B.). Nest. In a chimney. Eggs. 3 to 5 ; latter part of June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. June 4, 1897, five eggs (J. H. H.). Latest record. July 4, 1890, three eggs (H. W. B.). ^ In the latter part of the summer these birds often collect in large flocks, sometimes three or four hundred strong, and spend the night together in some commodious chimney. Flying over this chimney in a broad circle toward dark, some of them are constantly dropping into it until all have disappeared for the night. One such roosting chimney was found in Portland by J. H. S. in 1877, and another in Guilford by L. B. B. in 1884. Suborder TROCHILI. Hummingbirds. Family TROCHILID.^. Hummingbirds. Archilochus colubris (Linnaeus). Ruby-throated Humming- bird. A tolerably common summer resident from the middle of May until August, but apparently not as common as formerly. Earliest record. New Haven, May 4, 1882; Portland, May 5, 1905- 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 59. I(X) CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 29, 1882, Oct. 16, 1874 (Merriam) ;^ Portland, Oct. 2, 1905. Unusual record. March i, 1902, Saybrook, a female beat itself against the panes in a window in the house of J. N. C, trying to reach some flowers inside. Nest. Usually made of lichens or material closely resembling the bark of the tree on which it is located; as a rule from 9 to 12 feet from the ground, in orchard or garden, in the woods or in the shade trees of the city streets. Eggs. 2 (invariably) ; early in June. Nesting dates. Earhest record. May 13, 1891, two eggs (H. W. B.). Latest record. Aug. 4, 1881, two eggs (Smith) f Aug. 14, 1910, two eggs (C. G. H.). Order PASSERES. Perching Birds. Suborder CLAMATORES. Songless Perching Birds. Family TYRANNID^. Tyrant Flycatchers. Muscivora forficata (Gmelin). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. The only record of this species is a specimen shot, April 27, 1876, at Wauregan, by Mr. Carpenter. " The bird first attracted Mr. Carpenter's attention by its opening and closing the tail while flying about a small sheet of water in quest of insects."' Tyrannus tyrannus (Linnaeus). Kingbird. A common summer resident, arriving during the first two weeks in May, and going south in August. Earliest record. New Haven, May i, 1896, April 13, 1877 (Dayan) ;< Portland, April 28, 1881. Thirty-five out of thirty- nine years' records for Portland were between May i and May i4(J.H. S.). Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 15, 1902; Portland, Sept. 10, 1887. Nest. Usually on the topmost branch of an apple tree at from 12 to 25 feet from the ground. Eggs. 2-6, usually 2 or 3 ; early in June. 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 62. *0. and O., vi, 7, p. 53. 3 Bull. Nuttall Ornith. Club, ii, i, p. 21; recorded also by Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. so. * Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 49. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. lOI Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 29, 1898, four eggs (J. H. H.). Latest record. July 4, 1882, four eggs (L. B. B.). Unusual sets. June 3, 1894. Branford, nest with six eggs found (Nichols) ; July 6, 1882, New Haven, nest with six young (L. B. B.). Albinos. Aug., 1880, Laurel Hill, near Norwich, an albino Kingbird found ; the body pure white, wings and tail a light cream color (no date given) .^ Aug., 1890 (?), Woodbridge, a remark- able albino taken; its bill, tarsi, toes, nails, and the entire plumage being pure white, except that the wings and tail were tinged with sulphur yellow. The eyes were deep pink. (In pos- session of J. M. Blake, New Haven.) Myiarchus crinitus (Linnaeus). Crested Flycatcher. A tolerably common summer resident of orchards and wood- land from the middle of Mav until August. In Litchfield it is rare (E. S. W.). Earliest record. New Haven, May i, 1906; Portland, May 4, 1896. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 18, 1903. Nest. An old woodpecker's hole or other cavity, usually from 7 to 15 feet from the ground; in an apple tree. Eggs. 3-6; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 27, 1896, six eggs (L. B. B.). Latest record. June 18, 1892, five eggs (J. C. A. M.). Unusual record. May 2.y, 1889, Northford, set of seven eggs (A. M. Linsley).^ A nest of this species was once found by Mr. W. R. Nichols built somewhat like that of a Kingbird on the branch of a tree. This is very unusual, as this species practically always occupies a cavity in a tree. Sayornis phcebe (Latham). Phoebe. A common summer resident, arriving the last of March and remaining until October. Earliest record. New Haven, March 20, 1894, March 14, 1902 (A. A. S.), Feb. 25, 1876 (Hall) ;' Portland, March 18, ' O. and O., v, 6, p. 47. ''Oologist, vi, 12, p. 233. 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 52. I02 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. 1898, 1907; Hartford, March 13, 1898 ;i Jewett City, March 15, 1902.^ Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 18, 1904, Oct. 26, 1906 (E. S. W.) ; Portland, Oct. 14, 1891, 1893. Winter records. New Haven, Dec. 25, 1909 (D. B. P., C. H. P., and A. W. H.) ; one seen, Dec. 21, 1905 — March 10, 1906, and Nov. 25, 1906 — Jan. 22, 1907 (A. A. S.). Nest. On the pillar of a porch, the rafter of a shed, inside an abandoned house, in the cellar of a barn, under a bridge, on a ledge of rocks, under the overhanging edge of a bank, or in the vipturned roots of a tree; nest of mud and moss, lined with horse-hair. Eggs. 3-6 ; early in May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 27, 1898, five eggs (L. B. B.). Latest record. July 10, 1882, six eggs (C. L. R.).^ Nests are occasionally placed in abandoned nests of the Bam Swallow, while one containing five eggs was found placed in an old Robin's nest on a girder in a barn. May 15, 1893, in Trumbull (Beers). An unusual nesting site was noted by W. W. C, Portland, on " a brace under the guards of the steam ferry-boat running [at that time] between Middletown and Portland."^ This nest was seen by J. H. S. Nuttallornis borealis (Swainson). Olive-sided Flycatcher. A rare spring and fall migrant in late May and September. Spring records. May 24, 1892, New Haven, male taken (Hedges, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; May 24, 1893, New Haven, female taken (A. H. V.) ; May 23, 1900, May 23, 1902, and May 19, 1909, Ne^v Haven, two taken, another seen (L. B. B.). Fall records. Aug. 5, 1874, Suffield, male taken (Shores) ;* Oct. 18, 1875, New Haven, one seen (Merriam) ;* Aug. 27, 1903, Danbury, young female taken, and pair with three young seen several times during summer of 1903 (Hamlin) ; Sept. 13, 1904, New Haven, young female taken (L. B. B.) ; Aug. 31, 1904, 1 Bird-Lore, x, s, p. 210. » O. and O., xvii, S, pp. 77-8. ' O. and O., vii, 23, p. 183. * Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 53. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. IO3 Sept. 8, 1906, New Haven, seen (L. B. B.) ; Sept. 15, 1905, Litchfield, one taken (E. S. W.). Myiochanes virens (Linnaeus). Wood Pewee. A common summer resident of woodlands and shade trees from the latter part of May until late in August. Earliest record. New Haven, May 10, 1899; Portland, May 6, 1879, 1905. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 30, 1903; Portland, Oct. 3, 1890. Nest. In an orchard, a shade tree (frequently an elm), or in the woods, about 10 to 20 feet from the ground. Eggs. 2-4; the latter part of June. Nesting dates. EarHest record. June 8, 1884, one egg (E. H. E.). Latest record. July 12, 1903, three eggs (J. C. A. M.). Flying young were seen by J. H. S. and L. B. B. in Salisbury on the unusually early date of June 16, 1904. Sets of three eggs each on the same fork of the same limb of a certain tree were found by J. C. A. M., June 16, 1895, June 13, 1897, and June 19, 1898, with no nest there in 1896, and all three sets very different in their markings. Empidonax flaviventris (W. M. and S. F. Baird). Yellow- bellied Flycatcher, A rather rare spring and fall migrant in May, August and September, keeping in secluded nooks in young woodland as it passes through the state. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 16, 1888, 1900. Latest record. May 28, 1909. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 15, 1907. Latest record, New Haven, Sept. i, 1896, 1906; Sept. 17, 1875 (Merriam).i At Stamford in late summer this bird is occasionally common, as Mr. Porter secured ten males between Aug. 17 and Sept 26, 1893.2 Hoyt took one at Stamford, May 17, 1890, and L. B. B., one, May 25, 1905; Eames, at Stratford, May 7, 1892, and at Bridgeport, May 27, 1892; W. E. T., one at East Hartford, Sept. 20, 1887, and three, May 23, 1892 (in coll. of J. H. S.). ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 59. *Auk, xii, I, p. 86. 104 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Empidonax virescens (Vieillot). Acadian Flycatcher. A rare summer resident of the southern border of the state; most common west of Stamford. Earliest record. Stamford, May 17, 1890 (Hoyt), Latest record. Stamford, Sept. 19, 1893 (Porter). Spring records. June 24, 1874, Suffield, one taken (Shores) ;^ May 17, 1890, Stamford, male taken (Hoyt, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; June 13, 1 89 1, New Haven, male taken (Hedges, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; June 3, 1896, Guilford, male taken (L. B. B.). Breeding records. Spring, 1875, Stamford, nest with five eggs (Hoyt) ; June 25, 1893, Greenwich, nest with three young (Voorhees) ;- June 2, 1894, Stamford, nest with three eggs (Rowell) ; May 20, 1903, Danbury, one pair, believed to be breed- ing, collected (Hamlin) ; June 2, 1906, Stamford, two nests with three eggs each, two other pairs of breeding birds, six old nests, fotmd (Porter).^ Mr. Porter describes the nests as always loosely thrown together with shreds hanging down from the sides ; made of hemlock bark or grass. Empidonax trailli alnorum Brew^ster. Alder Fl3xatcher. A rare late spring and late summer migrant; regular summer resident in northwestern part of the state. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 26, 1909; Litchfield, May 27, 1905 (E. S. W.). Latest record. New Haven, May 31, 1904. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 9, 1904. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 7, 1905 ; Litchfield, Sept. 28, 1900 (E. S. W.). Breeding records. June 22, 1886, Litchfield, nest with three well incubated eggs (L. B. W.) ; June 12, 1900, Warren, un- finished nest found, and a female, which would have laid in a few days, taken (A. H. V. and L. B. B.) ; June 13, 1905, Litch- field, three nests found, containing two sets of four eggs each and one of three eggs, nests in alders and a spruce, between i and 2 feet from the ground (E. S. W.) ; June 18, 1906, Litchfield, nest with four eggs (E. S. W.). IMerriam, Birds of Conn., p. 58. "^Auk, xi, 3, p. 259. ^Auk, xxiv, I, p. 99. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. IO5 Empidonax minimus (W. M. and S. F. Baird). Least Fly- catcher. A common summer resident of the orchards and shade trees of the state from early May to August. Earliest record. New Haven, April 27, 1885 ; Portland, April 21, 1880; Hadlyme, April 26, 1899;^ Hartford, April 27, 1902.^ Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 10, 1883, Oct. i, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Sept. 4, 1893; Litchfield, Oct. i, 1890 (L. B. W.). Nest. Of the 25 nests recorded in the last 5 years by J. H. S., 7 were in elms, 6 in willows, 6 in ash trees, 3 in wild cherries, and 3 in poplars; height from ground, 15-30 feet, except one at 5 feet and another at 40 feet ; location, commonly an open swampy place, occasionally ia thick growth. Building, May 15 — June 8. Eg'gs. 3-5 ; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 23, 1906, two eg'gs (same nest, four eggs, May 26) (J. H. S.). Latest record. June 27, 1888, five eggs (E. H. E.). Suborder OSCINES. Song Birds. Family ALAUDID^. Larks. Otocoris alpestris alpestris (Linnaeus). Horned Lark. An irreg'ular winter visitor from November to March ; most common in small ilocks along the coast. Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 2, 1906, Oct. 29, 1888 (L. B. W.). Latest record. New Haven, April 15, 1882. Inland records. March 22, 1875, Portland, two killed (one in coll. of C. H. N.) ; Dec. 3, 1889, East Hartford, two seen (V/. E. T.) ; March 25, 1890, Portland, flock of thirteen seen (C. H. N.) ; March 27, 1899, a1x>ut thirty seen, March 30, 1899, about twelve seen, Portland (S. R., one in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Oct. 27, 1903, Nov. 14, 1904, Litchfield, small flocks seen (E. S. W.). A bird in which one tarsus had been broken and the foot had become fastened in the feathers of the abdomen was taken by L. B. B. in Guilford, Feb. 11, 1898. 'Bird-Lore, x, 3, p. 117. Io6 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Otocoris alpestris praticola Henshaw. Prairie Horned Lark. A rare winter resident in the state; breeding in Litchfield County. Winter records. Feb. i, 1889, Guilford, one female taken (L. B. B.) ; middle of Sept. to Oct. 10, 1900, Litchfield, a small flock seen, and specimens collected ■ Oct. 7, 8 (L. B. W.) ; Feb. 6, 1904, Westville, small flock, one shot (Smith, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Nov. II, 1905, West Haven, flock of three taken (E. S. W. and L. B. B.) ; Jan. 3, 1910, West Haven, female taken (D. B. Pangburn, in coll. of L. B. B.). Summer records. June 20, 1904, Salisbury, seen flying (J. H. S. and L, B. B.) ; July 31 — Aug. 4, 1905, Goshen; April 22, June 2, July 8, 1906, Litchfield (E. S. W. and H. San ford). Breeding records. May 24, 1891, Torrington, set of four eggs with the female taken (Gath) ;^ 1904, Watertown, pair breeding (Dutcher) ;^ May 25, 1905, Litchfield, pair breeding (E. S. W.) f March 26, 1908, Danbury, nest with four eggs, hatched March 27 (Judd).^ Nest of this species thus described by Judd:^ "A neat, well- made structure of fine, soft dead grass was placed in a hollow caused by the removal of a small stone on the gravelly western slope of a large round-topped sand hill." Otocoris alpestris hoyti Bishop. Hoyt's Horned Lark. A very rare accidental visitor. Connecticut records. March 4, 1893, Bridgeport, one male and one female taken, somewhat nearer this form than a true alpestris (Fames, in coll. of Beers) ; Feb. 17, 1894, Stamford, male (Porter) ; March 7, 1903, Guilford, a male taken along with two typical alpestris males from a flock of Homed Larks (L. B. B.) ; Jan. 24, 1905, West Haven, male taken (A. Ganung, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Nov. 3, 10, 1906, Guilford, two taken (E. S. W.). iH. K. Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 301. ^Auk, xxiii, 4, p. 461. * Bird-Lore, x, 3, pp. 139, 130. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. IO7 Family CORVID^. Crows, Jays, Magpies, etc. Subfamily Garrulin^. Magpies and Jays. Cyanocitta cristata cristata (Linnaeus). Blue Jay. A common summer resident, a few wintering regularly ; the majority going south early in October when there is a regular western flight, and returning in April. Earliest record. New Haven, March 25, 1893;^ Portland, Feb. 8, 1896, Feb. 12, 1900, 06, 07, 08. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 30, 1901 ;^ Portland, Nov. 27, 1889. Winter records. New Haven, Jan., 1882, 83, 84, 85, 1894, 95, 96, 98, 1900, 01, 02, 05 ; Dec, 1882, 83, 84, 1893, 95, 96, 1900, 03, 04, 05; Portland, Jan., 1881, Dec, 1881, 85, 87. Nest. In a conifer or deciduous tree, usually near the border of dense brush or woodland; height from ground, 5-15 feet. Eggs. 3-6; early in May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 25, 1900, three eggs (L. B. B.). Latest record. July i, 1882, six eggs (L. B. W.). Migrating flocks observed near New Haven, April i, 1896, Oct. 3, 1882, Sept. 30, 1890, Sept. 29, 1897, Sept. 29, 30, 1903 (L. B. B.). Subfamily Corvine. Crows. Corvus corax principalis Ridgway. Northern Raven. Very rare. Connecticut records. Dec. 28, 1889, West Haven, a bird, from its size, flight, and the marked emargination of its primaries, believed by L. B. B. to be a Raven, flew by him, about 125 yards away and 100 feet from the ground. As it uttered no sound, its identity is doubtful. Sept. 18, 1890, South Manchester, " a speci- men of the American Raven was taken at this place" (O. J. Hagenaw).^ Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos Brehm. Crow. An abundant resident, gathering in flocks along the seashore in winter, but many going farther south in October. 'Migrants. ' O. and O., XV, lo, p. 156. I08 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. A regular migration westward occurs near the coast late in October, as has often been witnessed by L. B. B. and many others. Roost. In the early eighties there was a larger winter roost in a pine grove in Hamden, containing probably 10,000 birds on the night of Feb. 22, 1882 (L. B. B.). Nest. Large nest of sticks, dry weeds, etc., often lined with grapevine bark, usually close to the trunk of a chestnut or conifer,, or in the top of a poplar, birch, or other tree ; 12 to 80 feet from the ground. Eggs. 4-7, commonly 4 or 5 ; middle of April. Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 10, 1882, three eggs (L. B. B.). Latest record. Tune 12, 1892, four eggs (J. C. A. M.). Unusual eggs. Six pinkish eggs were found in a nest near New Haven, May 8, 1884 (two in coll. of L. B. B.) ; light blue, almost unspotted eggs also occur in nests in which the other eggs are normal ; a single egg in a set of six found measuring only 1.20 by .87 inch. May 18, 1893, Stratford (J. C. A. M.) ; a set of four pinkish eggs is in the Wood collection at the IMorgan Memorial, Hartford, taken at South Windsor (J. H. S.). A set of seven eggs was collected in the spring of 1893 near- New Haven (H. W. F.). L. B. B. records a Crow found in New Haven, Sept. i, 1906, with a peculiar hoarse voice, which upon examination was learned to be due to a profuse purulent rhinitis. A cinnamon colored Crow is recorded from Groton, Aug. 20, 1879.^ Corvus ossifragus Wilson. Fish Crow. A rather rare resident near the coast, and extending some- distance up the larger rivers. Distribution. Small colonies and isolated nests have been found near the shore of the Sound at Woodmont, Milford, and Stratford (J. C. A. M.) ; at Niantic (Hill) ; New Haven (L. B. B. and C. C. T.) ; Fairfield and vicinity (Eames) f various points in Fairfield County (Beers) ; along the Housatonic Valley, as far north as Gaylordsville (Eames) ; along the Connecticut River 10. and O., vi, 7, p. 55. ^Aiik, X, I, p. 89. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. lOQ (Canfield and Watrous). One was taken in North Haven, Feb. 20, 1902, by Mr. Harry Ludington (in coll. of L. B. B.). Nest. Usually located in the small branches at the top of the tallest tree in the vicinity, at a height of 35-60 feet from the ground; the birds breed in single pairs or in small colonies, near the coast. Eggs. 3-5 ; early in May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 5, 1895, five eggs (J. C. A. M.). Latest -record. June 3, 1894, two eggs (J. C. A. M.). Breeding records. May, 1888, New Haven, three eggs (C, C. T.) ; May 12, 16, 1891, Fairfield, four and five eggs respectively (Fames) f June 3, 1894, two eggs (J. C. A. M.) ; May 5, 1895, five eggs (J. C. A. M.) ; May 4, 1900, four eggs, and May 19, 1906, five eggs (Beers) ; May 12, 1901, Niantic, colony with five, five, four, and three eggs, and four young (Hill) ; May 14, 1904, four eggs, May 21, 1904, four young, and May 10, 1905, two sets of five eggs (L. B. B.). Family ICTERID^. Blackbirds, Orioles, etc. Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linnaeus). Bobolink. A common but decreasing summer resident from the last of May until August, most abundant in the northern part of the state. Earliest record. New Haven, May 5, 1898; Portland, April 27, 1 89 1. The usual arrival is between May 5 and 15 (average of 44 years' records, J. H. S.). Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 25, 1895 ; Portland, Oct. 15, 1890. Nest. Eggs deposited on the ground in a meadow. Eggs. 4-6 ; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 25, 1897, six eggs (H. R. Buck). Latest record. June 20, 1887, four eggs (H. W. F.). In the southern part of the state the Bobolink now breeds com- monly only in the meadows bordering the larger salt marshes, as at Stratford and Hammonasset Point. Mr. Buttrick notes^ that, from observations of this species made at Woodmont, he believes the Bobolink is at times polyg- amous ; also that the young • leave the nest before they are able to fly, when they are cared for by the females. ^Bird-Lore, xi, 3, pp. 125-6. no CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Molothrus ater ater (Boddaert). Cowbird. A common summer resident from April to November; occa- sionally lingers to January and probably winters. Earliest record. New Haven, March 19, 1901 ; Feb. 20, 1887 (L. B. W.) ; Portland, March 21, 1910. Latest record. New Haven, Dec. i, 1903; Portland, Oct. 22, 1877. Winter records. Jan. 15, 1874, Jan. 16, 1875 (Grinnell) ;^ Feb., 1886, Woodbridge (Augur) ; Jan. 11, 1887, East Hartford (W. E. T.) ; Jan. 17, 1889, Bridgeport (Fames) ; Dec. 11, 1894, Dec. 13, 1895, Portland (J. H. S.) ; Dec. 25, 1901, Jan. 10, 1902, North Haven (Ludington, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Dec. 26, 1904, Stratford (H. W. B. and J. C. A. M.). Nest. The Cowbird does not build a nest, but deposits its egg or eggs in the nest of another and usually smaller species, the Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow Warbler, and Oven-bird being most frequently selected. The following table shows the distribution of the eggs as re- corded by J. H. S. and L. B. B. in 119 nests examined. The numbers in the three columns are the numbers of nests of the species named containing, respectively, one, two, and three eggs of the Cowbird. Red-eyed Vireo 16 4 Yellow Warbler 16 I Oven-bird II 2 Wilson's Thrush 7 Redstart 6 I Indigo Bunting 5 I Field Sparrow 5 Phoebe 3 I Maryland Yellow-throat 3 I Song Sparrow 3 2 Yellow-throated Vireo 3 Chestnut-sided Warbler 3 Prairie Warbler 3 Purple Fingh 2 Scarlet Tanager 2 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 45. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. Ill Wood Thrush 2 Bkie-winged Warbler 2 Louisiana Water-Thrush i i Yellow-breasted Chat i i One Cowbird's egg was found in one nest of each of the fol- lowing species, viz., Orchard Oriole, Chipping Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, White-eyed Vireo, Worm-eating Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Wood Pewee, and Brown Thrasher. Other species recorded are Robin (J. C. A. M,), Towhee (J. C. A. M. and Beers), Bobolink (L. B. W.), Bluebird (A. A. S.). Eggs. 1-3, per nest; about the last of May or early in June. Dates. Earliest record. May 11, 1904, April 29, 1906, one in Phoebe's nest (A. A. S.). Latest record. Aug. 4, 1882, two in Red-eyed Vireo's nest (L. B. B.). There can be little doubt that the Cowbird often injures and sometimes removes one or more of the eggs of the host. Fre- quently the rightful egg has been found (L. B. B.) to be pierced with small holes, and at least twice one lying on the ground out- side the nest. On the average a nest containing an egg of this parasite will be found to contain one less egg of the species own- ing the nest than is normal to that bird. Occasionally, as is well known, some of our smaller birds will build a false bottom to the nest covering the intruding egg, and lay their own above it. In a nest of the Yellow Warbler and one of the Chestnut-sided Warbler, each containing four eggs and an egg of the Cowbird buried in the bottom, found by J. C. A. M., it is certain that the Cowbird's egg was the first laid, as in each instance he had visited these nests a week earlier and had found the Cowbird's egg alone in each. Although remaining in flocks practically all the year, Cow- birds seem to separate into pairs for a short time in the spring. At this time a single male may often be seen seated in some tree- top, .calling, while probably the female is looking for a nest in which to lay. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (Bonaparte). Yellow- headed Blackbird. Accidental. 112 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT, HIST. SURVEY. [BuU. Connecticut records. 1878 (?), New Haven (?), a female formerly in the collection of Dr. W. H. Hotchkiss and now in the collection of L. B. B. (without label, but Dr. H. informed L. B. B. that all of these birds were taken near New Haven, chiefly during the spring of 1878) ; July, 1884, Hartford, one in a flock of Red-wings shot (W. E. T.) ;i July, 1888, Stamford, female shot (E. K. Colbron).^ Agelaius phoeniceus phoeniceus (Linnaeus). Red-winged Blackbird. An abundant summer resident, occasionally wintering; the males arriving on the average more than a month in advance of the females. Males. Average date of arrival, March 5-20. Earliest rec- ord. New Haven, Feb. 10, 1896, Feb. 19, 1887 (Hooker), Feb. 20, 1887 (L. B. W.) ; Portland, Feb. 26, 1906. Females. Average date of arrival. May i-io. Earliest rec- ord. New Haven, April 13, 1887; Portland, April 26, 1910. Latest record. New Haven, Dec. 7, 1893; Portland, Nov. 23, 1906. Winter Records. Jan. 15, 1874, Jan. 16, 1875 (Grinnell) ;' Dec. 28, 1882, Dec. 27, 1883, Guilford, small flocks (L. B. B.) ; Dec. 25, 1 90 1, Jan. 10, 1902, North Haven, several collected (Ludington, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Jan. 7, 1905, Falls Village, one seen (H. K. J.) ; Jan. i, 1910, New Haven, several seen, one female taken (C. H. P.). Nest. On a tussock of marsh grass, a clump of weeds, a bunch of cat-tails, royal fern, or in a low bush (alder). Eggs. 2-5 ; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 16, 1894, four eggs (J. C. A. M.). Latest record. July 2, 1881, three eggs (L. B. B.). Agelaius phoeniceus fortis Ridgway. Thick-billed Black- bird.' A very rare straggler from the West in the fall, occurring occasionally with the flocks of the other blackbirds in the roosts in the Quinnipiac Marshes. ^Atik, iv, 3, p. 256. "O. and O., xiii, 12, p. 189. s Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 45. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. II3, Connecticut records. Dec. 25, 1901, one adult male, Jan. 10, 1902, young male and young female, Nov. 11, 1903, young male, Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven (Ludington and L. B. B.. in coll. of L. B. B.). Sturnella magna magna (Linnseus). Meadowlark. A common summer resident of the meadows and pastures ; a number winter regularly, sometimes in large flocks in the salt marshes along the coast, and scatter about the country in the last of March or early April. Nest. Eggs laid in a tussock of grass in a field, or under a piece of drift on a salt marsh. Eggs. 4-6; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 17, 1890, three eggs (J. H. S.) ; May 19, 1899, five eggs (J. H. H.) ; May 19, 1904, five eggs (L. B. B.). Latest record. July 2, 1888, five eggs (Beers) ; Aug. 14, 1883, four deserted eggs (L. B. B.). One was heard singing as late as Oct. 22 (1892) by L. B. B. Icterus spurius (Linnaeus). Orchard Oriole. A tolerably common summer resident along the coast from the middle of May until July, breeding as far up the Housatonic valley as Gaylordsville ; breeds rarely inland, however. Earliest record. New Haven, May 2, 1908; Portland, April 30, 1896. Latest record. New Haven, July 30, 1896; Portland, June 16, 1904. Nest. Usually in an apple or pear tree in an orchard ; height from ground, 7-15 feet. Eggs, 4-5 ; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 29, 1896, four eggs (L. B. B.). Latest record. June 28, 1904, four eggs (Perry); July 3, 1882, four young (L. B. B.). Inland nesting records. June 2, J885, Portland, nest with five eggs (J. H. S.) ; June 10, 1900, Gaylordsville, nest found (Austin and L. B. B.). Unusual nesting site. Feb. 16, 1907, Portland, old nest in an elm, 40 feet from the ground (J. H. S.). 114 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. One bird has been seen by ]\Ir. Williams in Winchester.^ One seen in Danbury, May 4, 1905 (J. C. A. M.). Icterus galbula (Linnaeus). Baltimore Oriole. An abundant summer resident of the orchards and shade trees of the roads and city streets, from May until August. Earliest record. New Haven, May 2, 1894; Portland, April 30, 1888. Average of 40 years' records, May 6 (J. H. S.). Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 13, 1885; Portland, Sept. 8, 1885. Winter records. Nov. 15, 1885, Portland (J. H. S.) f Dec. 22, 1892, Portland (C. H. N.) f North Haven, Dec. 9, 1901 (found dead by Mrs. L, Hemingway). Nest. Usually in an elm, poplar, or maple ; 20-75 ^^^^ from the ground; built by the female, May 15 — Jnne 10. Eggs. 4-7 ; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 23, 1906, two eggs (J. H. S.) ; May 25, 1895, five eggs (H. W. F.). Latest record. June 21, 1882, one egg and three young (L. B. B.). Abundance of species. Fifteen nests of this species were noticed in the trees bordering Ouinnipiac Avenue in Montowese, in a distance of about two miles, March 3, 1893 (L- B. B.). Again, in a walk of about the same length on Whitney Avenue, New Haven, 35 nests were counted, almost all in elms, Jan. 9, 1901 ; but in the same walk on Feb. 17, 1908, only 10 nests could be found, showing the great decrease of this species near New Haven in recent years (L. B. B.). Euphagus carolinus (Miiller). Rusty Blackbird. A common fall migrant in October; less common spring migrant. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 24, 1888, March 20, 1905, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, March 20, 1905. Latest record. New Haven, April 20, 1905, May 13, 1907 (C. H. Pangburn) ; Portland, May 11, 1908. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 25, 1897, Sept. 15, 1897 (A. H. V.) ; Portland, Sept. 17, 1895. Latest 1 Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 302. « Auk, iii, I, p. 135. » O. and O., xviii, 3, p. 47. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. II5 record. New Haven, Nov. 22, 1900, Dec. 13, 1906 (A, A. S.), Dec. 25, 1911 (C. H. P.). Portland, Nov. 3, 1908; Litchfield, Nov. 24, 1906 (H. Sanford). Quiscalus quiscula quiscula (Linnaeus). Purple Crackle. A common summer resident of the pines and spruces about the towns and cities of the southern part of the state; breeds as far north as Bethel, Litchfield, and Portland. Earliest record. New Haven, March 4, 1882, Feb. 19, 1902 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Feb. 20, 1880. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 8, 1901 ; Portland, Nov. 8, 1892. These birds seem to migrate in two divisions, the first leaving between August 24 and 30, the second between Sept. 25 and Oct. 30 (J. H. S.). Winter records^ Dec. 20, 1887, New Haven (L. B. W.) ; Dec. 28, 1895, Hartford (J. P. Hall) ; Dec. 12, 1907, New Haven (A. A. S.). Nest. In a conifer, from 10 to 40 feet from the ground. j Eggs. 3-5 ; May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 25, 1892, five eggs (J. H. S.), April 25, 1895, five eggs (H. W. F.). Latest record. June 8, 1887, five eggs (Watrous). Unusual nest. A nest in the rushes of a marsh near Kent, found by H. K. J. Very unusual, since all other nests recorded were in trees and usually at some distan.ce from the ground. By the latter part of June, the duties of nidification over, the birds assemble in flocks and frequent the tops of trees in the woods. Intermediates between Quiscalus quiscula quiscula and cuneus are found breeding at Portland. Quiscalus quiscula aeneus Ridgway. Bronzed Crackle. A tolerably common summer resident in the northern part of the state, breeding in the conifers about the towns as far south as Portland. An abundant fall migrant in October and Novem- ber and irregular spring migrant in the southern part of the state, and a common spring and fall migrant in the northern part. ' Probably some of these winter records refer to Quiscalus quiscula ceneus. Il6 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 25, 1898, Feb. 27, March 10, 1906 (E. S. W.) ; Portland, March 21, 1891. Latest record. New Haven, April 24, 1907. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 6, 1903. Latest record. New Haven, Dec. 12, 1889; Portland, Nov. 3, 1908. Winter records. Jan. 2;^, 1884, Hamden (Munson) ; Jan. 17, 1895, New Haven (L. B. B.) ; Dec. 15, 1907, Jan. 22, 1908, East Haven (F. F. Burr). Summer records. July 8, 1886, Plymouth, adult female (Webb, in coll. of L. B, B.) ; July 3, 1907, Litchfield, one shot (E. S. W.) Roost. In the fall, thousands, probably tens of thousands, of blackbirds roost in the broad beds of cat-tail rushes in the Quinnipiac Marshes, about six miles north of New Haven. Al- though there are hordes of Red-wings, Cowbirds, Rusty Black- birds, and Purple Crackles in late October and early November, the Bronzed Crackles far outnumber any other if not all other species combined. The blackbirds assemble as early as Sept. 26 (1904), increasing steadily to a maximum number at the end of October, falling off to the middle of November, with a few lingering into December in an open fall. Soon after daylight each morning, the blackbirds leave the rushes, the vast majority flying westward in two or three enormous flocks, each several thousand strong, curving back and forth in long sweeps across the sky, and disappearing over the high ground to the west. Later small scattering flocks fly to all points of the compass. Toward the latter part of the afternoon (4 o'clock) the flocks begin to return from the west, a few from other directions, settling at first in the trees, and then in the rushes, until by 4:30 or 5 o'clock all have settled there for the night. How far these flocks go to feed, L. B. B. has been unable to ascertain ; but it must be many miles, for he has frequently seen flocks flying toward these marshes after 4 p. m. at various places eight or more miles away (e. g., Yale field, Orange; Saltonstall heights, East Haven ; West Rock Ridge, some miles north of Lake Wintergreen). They all go off to feed, so that, during the daytime in the fall, blackbirds of all species are rather rare in the immediate vicinity of New Haven. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. II7 In a swampy spot, grown up with bushes and small trees, in the Little River marshes, near Middletown, is a roost where thousands of blackbirds congregate. Here the Purple and Bronzed Crackles outnumber all other species in early November. (J. H. S.) Family FRINGILLIDtE. Finches, Sparrows, etc. Hesperiphona vespertina vespertina (W. Cooper). Eve- ning Crosbeak. A very rare accidental winter visitor; only recorded in recent years. Connecticut records. Last w^eek in February, 1890, Cobalt (Chatham), nine or ten seen, two killed, March 6, one male (Bailey, in coll. of J. H. S.) ;^ March 2, 1890, East Hampton (Chatham), flock of 12-14 seen, one male killed (in coll. of H, E. Rich) ;2 March 10, 1890, Gaylordsville (New Milford), female shot from fllock of four or five (E. H. Austin) f April 12, 1911, Woodstock, male and female taken (in coll. of Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford). The following reports of the presence of this species in Connecticut have appeared in print. That of February, 1905, in Litchfield w^as investigated carefully by Mr. E. S. Woodruflf, who decided the birds w^ere not Evening Grosbeaks; and some of the other records seem open to question, as no specimens were collected. Feb. 1-14, 1905, Litchfield, flock of thirty (Hutchins)^; Feb. 5-22, 1907, Bristol, several seen (Bruen) ; Oct. 17, 1909, Talcott Mt., West Hartford, seen (St. John)^; Jan. 13, 1911, Canaan, flock of eight (Adam)"; Feb. 12, 1911, Talcott Mt., West Hartford, one pair seen (St. John)^; Feb. 13, 191 1, Taft- ville, a flock of eight males and eighteen females seen (Werking)^; Dec, 1910 — April, 1911, Woodstock, flock of about seventy-five seen". ^Forest and Stream, xxxiv, lo, p. 187. ^Aiik, X, 2, p. 207. ^ Auk, vii, 2, p. 211. * Bird-Lore, vii, 3, p. 173. ^Bird-Lore, xiii, 2, p. 94. 'Hartford Courant, Apr. 4, igii. Il8 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Pinicola enucleator leucura (Miiller). Pine Grosbeak. A rather rare and irregular winter resident from November to March; usually absent, but occasionally occurring in consider- able numbers. Earliest record. Xew Haven, Oct. 31, 1903; Portland, Nov. I, 1903. Latest record. New Haven, JMarch 11, 1884; Portland, April 6, 1903. Occurrence. New Haven, Feb., March, 1883 (G. E. V,) ; Jan., March, 1884 (L. B. B.) ; March, 1884 (L. C. S.) ; March, 1893 (L. B. B.) ; Jan., 1893 (H. W. R) ; March, 1907 (L. B. B.).; Jan., Feb., 1896, large flights in New Haven and Stamford (L. B. B., Andrews, Hoyt) ; Oct., Nov., 1903, and winter, 1903-4, large flights. New Haven and Stamford (L. B. B., Hoyt). Portland, Feb., March, 1873, Nov.. 1874 — March, 1875, ^"^ov., 1875. Dec, 1877, 1878, Jan., 1881, Dec, 1882 — Feb., 1883, Jan. — j\Iarch, 1884, Dec, 1887, Jan. — March, 1893, Nov., 1895 — March, 1896, Dec, 1896, Jan., 1898, 1900, Nov., 1903 — April, 1904, large flights, Nov., 1906, Nov., 1907 — March, 1908, large flights. Jan., 1909. Litchfield, Oct. 26 — Dec. 10, 1903, several small flocks, Nov., 1906 (E. S. W.). New Canaan, 1903-4, 1904-5 (Mrs. Neide, by W. H. H.). Clinton, Nov., 1903 (H. W. F.). Westbrook, Nov., 1903 (Hooker). Sharon, Jan., 1904 (Smith). Lakeville, 1903-4 (J. Truelove). Northford, Nov., 1906 (E. S. W.). The above records show the irregularity of the occurrence of this species, some winters passing without a record, and other winters having several. It further shows the two greatest flights, the winter of 1895-6, and 1903-4. the latter flight being recorded not only from New Haven and Portland, but also from Stam- ford, Litchfield, New Canaan, Sharon, Lakeville, Clinton, and Westbrook. Carpodacus purpureus purpureus (Gmelin). Purple Finch. A tolerably common summer resident; winters irregularly in the southern part of the state; most abundant during migrations in March, October, and November. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, ^larch 9, 1904; Portland, March 10. 1894. Latent record. New Haven, No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF COXXECTICUT. II9 May 15, 1907, 1909, May 25, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May 30, 1889. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 30, 1903 ; Portland, Oct. 8, 1894. Latest record. New Haven, Dec. 4, 1896; Portland, Dec. 9, 1884. Winter records. New Haven, Jan. 4, Feb. 11, 1882, Dec. 28, 1883, Feb. 16, Dec. 29, 1884, Jan. 15, 1902, Feb. 24, 1912; Dec. 26, 1906 — Feb. 27, 1907, and up to Jan. 2, 1908 (A. A. S.). Portland, Dec. 12, 14, 21, 1877, Feb. 25, 1882, Feb. 29, 1884, Dec. 16, 1895, Feb. 3, 1896, Feb. 15, 1898, Jan. 23, 1909. Nest. In a conifer; about 20 feet from the ground. Eggs. 2-4; last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 25, i89§, four eggs (J. H. H.). Latest record. July 8, 1884, two eggs (E. H. E.). In Litchfield it is a common summer resident (E. S. W.), but it is rare at that season in the southern part of the state. Loxia curvirostra minor (Brehm). Crossbill. A rare and irregular winter resident between November and May. Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 11, 1906; Portland, Dec. 10, 1874. Latest record. New Haven, May 12, 1883; Portland, May 2, 1907. Occurrence. New Haven, May 12, 1883 (L. B. B.), April 14, 1884 (Trowbridge) ; March 3-9, 1888 (H. W. F., A. H. V.) ; Dec, 1889 (H. W. F.) ; Jan. 24-5, Feb. i, 1890 (L. B. W.) ; Jan. 31, Feb. 14, 1895, Jan. 24, 1900, Nov. 4, 1903. Oct. 11 — Nov. 27, 1906 (L. B. B.) ; Dec. 25, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Dec. 26, 1909 (C. H. P. and A. W. H.). Portland, Dec. 10, 1874, Jan 26, 1875, April 5, 1885, March 14, April 19, 1893. March 5, 1895, May 2, 1907. Bridgeport, Feb. 27, 1900 (Beers) ; Feb. 28, 1905 (Ham- lin). Stamford, Feb. 10, 1890 (L. B. W.) ; Feb., 1893 (Porter). New London, winter, 1899-1900, large numbers (Hill). Cheshire, Jan., 1897 (Hotchkiss). Loxia leucoptera Gmelin. White-winged Crossbill. A rare straggler in winter. Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 3, 1906; Portland, Dec. 14, 1899. I20 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Latest record. New Haven, Feb. 21, 1900, Feb. 26, i^ (C. C. T.) ; Portland. May 12, 1900. Connecticut records. Dec. 25, 1874, Jan. 2^, 1875, Portland (J. H. S.) ; Jan., Feb., March, 1875, "not uncommon" (Mer- riam) ;^ Dec. 7, 9, 1880, Norwich (Case, recorded by S. T. Hol- brook) f Feb. 10-26, 1888, New Haven (Trowbridge) ; Dec, 1889, New Haven (H. W. F.) ; Jan. 27, 1S94 (A. H. V.) ; (for winter, 1899- 1900, see next paragraph) ; winter, 1903-4, New Canaan (reported by Hoyt) ; Nov. i, 1906, Stony Creek (A. H. V.) ; Nov. 3 — Dec. 15, 1906, New Haven, common (L. B. B. and E. S. W.) ; Jan. 5 — Feb. 20, 1907, New Haven (A. A. S.) ; Feb. 27 — March 2, 1909, Middletown, two remained feeding in a spruce tree for several days (Bliss). Unusual flight, winter, 1899-1900. A great flight of thie species that visited New England this winter reached southern Connecticut, being frequently noted in several places : Portland, Dec. 14 — April 16, frequently seen, especially abundant in Jan. and Feb. (J. H. S.) ; New London, until March i, in large num- bers (Hill) ; Saybrook, early in Nov., through Dec. (J. N. C.) ; Guilford, Jan. 24 (A. H. V., L. B. B.) ; New Haven, common in flocks Feb. 6-21 (L. B. B.) ; Bridgeport, Feb. 27, hundreds seen (Beers) ; Stamford, March 10 (Ho)!). They obtained a large portion of their food from the fallen seeds of the hemlock, feed- ing among the dry leaves like sparrows. Acanthis hornemanni exilipes (Coues). Hoary Redpoll. Connecticut record. Nov. 24, 1906, East Haven, an adult female shot from a flock of common Redpolls by L. B. B. in company with E. S. V/. Acanthis linaria linaria (Linnaeus). Redpoll. An irregular winter resident; formerly sometimes common; scarce between 18S2 and 1906 in southern Connecticut. Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 24, 1906, Oct. 29, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Nov. 27, 1889. Latest record. New Haven, April 5, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Port- land, May II, 1900. J Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 35. • 0. and O., vi, 4, p. 31. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 121 Occurrence. Portland, Feb. 22, 1875, Dec. 6, 1878, Dec. 21, 1880, Dec. 30, 1882, Feb. 9-10, 1883, Dec. 9, 1884, March 29, 1888, Nov. 27, 1889, April 5, 1890, Jan. 30, 1896, Feb. 19, 1896, Dec. 6, 1899, May 11, 1900. New Haven and vicinity, 1866 (Whitney) ; Jan. 15, 22, 1879 (Woolsey, in Peabody Museum) ; Jan. 22, 1879 (Osborne, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; about Feb. 15, 1883 (Osborne) ; March 2, 1884 (Allen) ; April i. 1890 (L. B. W.) ; Jan. 27, 1894 (A. H. V.) ; Feb. 2^, 1900 (Beers) ; Oct. 29, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Nov. 24, Dec. 8, 18, 1906, Jan. 22, 27, 1907 (E. S. W. and L. B. B.) ; abundant Dec. 12, 1906 — March 15, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; seen frequently, winter of 1908-9 (C. H. P., D. B. P., A. W. H.). Bridgeport, Nov, 22, 1889 (Lucas, in coll. of Beers). Fairfield, Feb. 22, 1900 (Beers). Stamford, Jan., 1889 (Camp, in coll. of L. B. B.). Stony Creek, Nov., 1902 (A. E. V.). Branford, Jan. 31, 1904 (Nichols). Litchfield, March, 1896 (Sanford) ; Nov. 29 — Dec. i, 1906 (E. S. W.). Danbury, com- mon, winter of 1908-9 (J. C. A. M.). Middletown, March 6, 1909 (flock appeared about two weeks before) (Bliss). Middle Haddam, Jan. 28, 1912 (G. N. Lawson). Acanthis linaria rostrata (Coues). Greater Redpoll. The only Connecticut record is as follows: Dec. 17, 1878, New Haven, two taken by Dr. W. H. Hotchkiss (in coll. of L. B. B.). Astragalinus tristis tristis (Linnaeus). Goldfinch. An abundant resident, keeping in flocks from September to May. Nest. Frequently in a maple in the streets of some village, or in some other tree, at from 5 to 30 feet from the ground. Eggs. 4-6; late in July or early in August. Nesting dates. Earliest record. July i, 1900, five eggs (Hill). Latest record. Aug. 31, 1906, five eggs (A. A. S.). Spinus pinus (Wilson). Pine Siskin. An irregular winter resident from November until April; sometimes very abundant, but usually absent. Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 8, 1906; Portland, Oct. 15, 1908. 122 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Latest record. New Haven, May 7, 23 (?), 1888, May 19, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May 22, 1911. Occurrence. New Haven, Nov., 1882, Dec, 1884, Oct., 1887 (L. B. W.), May, Oct., 1888, Oct., 1889 (L. B. W.), March, 1894, Feb., April, 1896, Jan., Feb., April, 1900, Oct., 1906, Jan., May, 1907, Nov., 1911 ; Portland, [March, 1884, Oct., 1887 — May, 1888, Nov., 1889 — May, 1890, April, 1892, Dec, 1895 — March. 1896, Dec, 1899 — March, 1900, March, 1902, May, 1904, Feb., 1907, Feb. — May, 1908, Oct., 1908 — May, 1909, May, 191 1, Feb. — April, 1912. Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis (Linnjeus). Snow Bunting. An irregular winter resident from November to March, most frequent near the coast; occasionally in large flocks, but more often not more than a dozen birds together. Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 2, 1906, Oct. 22, 1889 (L. B. W.) ; Portland, Oct. 29, 1876. Latest record. New Haven, March 8, 1882; Portland, March 20, 1875. At Stamford it has been taken in September (Schaler), and as late as March 19, 1892 (L. H. P.). Large flocks. Jan. 25, 1875, Portland, flock of 200 seen (J. H. S.) ; Feb. 15, 1883, Hamden. a flock that covered acres (Os- borne) ; Jan. 18, 1884, Portland, flock of 150 seen (J. H. S.) ; Jan. 27, 1898, Orange, flock of 200 (L. B. B.) ; Jan., 1905, Dan- bury, flock of over 200 (J. C. A. M.). Calcarius lapponicus lapponicus (Linnseus). Lapland Long- spur. A rare and probably accidental late fall migrant. Connecticut records. Alerriam^ recorded (1877), that one was taken, Nov., 1874, at Suffield by Shores, others at New Haven (no date) by Nichols, and others at Portland by W. W. C. (reported by Grinnell) ; March i, 1875 (approximately), Portland, one received, caught here (W. W. C.) ; Nov. 29, 1884, Saybrook, male (H. W. F., in coll. of Brewster) ; March 29, 1888, Saybrook, a male shot (W. E. T., in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Dec 12, 1891, Stratford, male and female taken (Beers) ; Nov. 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 36. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONXECTICUT. I23 II, 1892, West Haven, male captured (H. W. F.) ; March 4, 1893, Bridgeport, four males (Eames) ; April 2, 1893, West Haven (A. H. V., in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Nov. 10, 1893, West Haven, a male (A. H. V., in coll. of Porter) ; Dec. 30, 1893, Stratford, a female (Dunbar, in coll. of Beers) ; Nov. 22, 1895, West Haven, a male (A. H. V.) ; Oct., 1904, Winchester, fl^ck of seven or eight seen by Williams (H. K. J.) ;^ winter, 1904-5, North Bridgeport, three flocks seen (Hamlin) ; Feb. 12, 1905, Kent, one seen (H. K, J.) ; Jan. 21, 1907, New Haven, seven seen (A. A. S.). Pooecetes gramineus gramineus (Gmelin). Vesper Spar-, row. Formerly an abundant summer resident of the upland meadows from April until October; now rare over most of the state, none being found in places along the coast where they were common a few years ago. Earliest record. New Haven, April 3, 1888, March 23, 1907 (C. H. Pangburn) ; Portland. April i. 1905, 1908; Bridgeport, March 14, 1902 f Jewett City, March 20, 1889.^ Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 3, 1897, 1906, Nov. 4, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Oct. 21, 1890. Winter records. Dec. 31, 1887, New Haven, one male taken (A. H. V.) ; Feb. i, 1889, Guilford, one taken (L. B. B.) ; Feb. 17, 1902, Saybrook, two spending winter there (J. N. C). Nest. On the ground, usually in the grass of a dry and sandy field. Eggs. 3-5 ; last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May i, 1906, four eggs (A. A. S.) ; May 3, 1881, four eggs (J. H. S.). Latest record. July 26, 1894, three eggs (H. W. B.). This species seems never to have recovered from the great freeze of 1895, when so many thousands of birds perished in the southern states, and has become rarer annually since that date. Passerculus princeps Maynard. Ipswich Sparrow. A rare migrant and still rarer winter resident, in the beach gfrass of the seashore from November to March. 1 Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 303. * Bird-Lore, xiii, 2, p. 86. 124 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Connecticut records. Nov. 4, 1875, New Haven, female taken (Merriam) ;^ March 24, 1883, Madison, one taken (L. B. B.) ; Nov. 26, 1884, West Haven, one taken (L. B. B.) ; Nov. 12, 14, Dec. 31, 1887, West Haven, three males (A. H. V.) ; Jan. 2, 1888, Woodbridg-e [?], female (A. H. V.); Oct. 19, two, Oct. 22, one, 23, one, 30, one, 1889, West Haven (L. B. W.) ; Jan. 5, 1892, Bridgeport, male (Eames) ; Nov. i, one, Nov. 3, two, 1892, West Haven (H. W. F.) ; Nov. 25, 1905, New Haven, male (E. S. W.) ; Oct. 22, 1906, New Haven (E. S, W.) ; Jan. 3, 1910, W^est Haven (A. A. S., in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Nov. 8, 191 1, West Haven, one (L. B. B.). Passerculus sandwichensis savanna (Wilson). Savannah Sparrow. An abundant fall migrant in September and October through- out the state ; a tolerably common spring migrant in April on the coast, rarer inland ; a few breed at the borders of the larger salt marshes and on inland meadows ; they very rarely winter. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 29, 1901, March 24, 1906 (E. S. W.), March 24, 1883 (L. C. S.) ; Portland, April 6, 1890; Hartford, IMarch 31, 1888.^ Latest record. New Haven, May 22, 1909; Portland, May 27, 1881. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 27, 1897 ; Portland, Sept. 21, 1892, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 21, 1904; Portland, Oct. 26, 1892; Hartford, Nov. 29, 1888.- Winter records. Jan. 19, 1895, West Haven, male taken, Dec. 26, 1911, East Haven, male taken (L. B. B.). Nest. In the grass of a meadow bordering the large salt marshes, as those at Hammonasset Point, the Stratford Marshes, and formerly the Quinnipiac Marshes. Eggs. 4-5 ; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 30, 1887, four eggs (Watrous). Latest record. June 11, 1888, four eggs (H. W. F.). This species is found as a tolerably common summer resident in Litchfield by L. B. W. Ammodramus savannarum australis ^laynard. Grass- hopper Sparrow. 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 36. ^Bird-Lore, xiii, 3, p. 144. No, 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I25 A common summer resident from May to July, chiefly of. the dry upper meadows, but breeding also to the borders of the salt marshes of the coast. Earliest record. New Haven, April 22, 1888; Portland, May 5, 1879, 1902, 1904. Latest record. New Haven, Aug. 6, 1896; Litchfield, Sept. 18, 1891 (E. S. W.) ; East Hartford, Oct. 21, 1885 (W. E. T.). Nest. On the ground in a meadow. Eggs. 4-6; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. IMay 23, 1897, six eggs (J. C. A. M.). Latest record. Aug. 22, 1895, four eggs (H. W. B.). This species has never been found at Stamford by either Hoyt or Porter. Passerherbulus henslowi henslowi (Audubon). Henslow's Sparrow. A summer resident ; common locally in Litchfield County, rare elsewhere in Connecticut. Earliest record. April 27, 1905, Litchfield (E. S. W.). Latest record. Oct. 8, 1901, Litchfield (E. S. W.). Records outside of Litchfield County, Danbury (Fairfield Co.) : May 14, 1905, two seen; June i, 1905, set of five eggs; May 6, 1906, and later, seen; 1908, a number seen (J, C. A. M.). Bridgeport (Fairfield Co.) : April 30, 1903.^ West Haven (New Haven Co.) : Oct. 27, 1888, one found dead (L, B, W,), Northford (New Haven Co,) : 1890, two pairs breeding there (A, M. Linsley),2 Killingworth (Middlesex Co.): July 18, 1873, one killed (Hall).^ Norwich (New London Co.): July 3, 1882, set of eggs found ("Hawk").^ Eastford (Windham Co.) : May, 1881, C. M. Jones records'^ that Henslow's Sparrows have been on the increase there during the past five or six years. Pomfret (Windham Co.) : June i, 1906, heard singing (L. B. B.). Windsor (Hartford Co.) : May 24, 1906, male shot (E. S. W.). . Nest. On the ground among the ferns and grasses, composed of dry grass, loosely woven together. ^Bird-Lore, xii, i, p. 14. * Oblogisi, viii, 9, p. 180. s Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 37. *young Oblogist, i, 11, p. 154. *0. and O., vi, 3, pp. 17-18, 126 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT, HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Eggs. 3-5 ; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. June i, 1905, five eggs (J. C. A. M. and L. B. B.). Latest record. Aug, 6, 1879, three eggs (C. M. Jones).! This species frequents hillside meadows and swamps partially overgrown with shrubbery. Passerherbulus caudacutus (Gmelin). Sharp-tailed Spar- row. An abundant summer resident of the salt marshes from May to October, often lingering into December and probably occa- sionally wintering. Earliest record. New Haven, May 4, 1887, April 30, 1889 (L. B. W.). Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 10, 1883, Nov. 12, 1892 (H. W. F.). Winter records. Dec. 2, 1882, Dec. 31, 1885, Dec. 12, 1889, Guilford (L. B. B.). Nest. In the salt grass, frequently under a little drift material. Eggs. 3-7, usually 4 or 5 ; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 21, 1890, nest with eggs (L. B. W.). Latest record. June 21, 1882, three eggs (L. B. B.). A set of 7 eggs taken, New Haven, May 31, 1897 (L. B. B.). Partial albino records, Dec. 31, 1885, Guilford (L. B, B.) ; Oct. 12, 1900, Nov. 7, 1903, West Haven (L. B. B.) ; Oct. 24, 1904 (L. B. B.), Oct. 8, 1909 (L. C. S.), Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven; Oct. 25, 1905 (E. S. W.), Oct. 14, 27, 1905 (L. B. B.), New Haven. Another anomaly. A few of the feathers of the juvenal plumage on the upper parts remained adherent to the tips of the feathers of the first winter plumage, as the natal down usually does to the juvenal, in specimens of this species taken in West Haven, Oct. 12, 1900, Oct. 18, 1901, and Oct. 21, 1903 (L. B. B.). A female hybrid between this species and the Seaside Spar- row (Passerherbulus niaritiinus marititnns) was collected near New Haven, May i, 1890, by H. W. F. (now in coll. of Brewster) , 1 O. and O., vi, 3, pp. 17-: No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I27 Passerherbulus nelsoni nelsoni (Allen). Nelson's Sparrow. A tolerably common fall migrant in early October; a rare spring migrant the last of May ; confined almost exclusively to the salt marshes of the coast, and the wild rice, or water oats, growing along the larger rivers. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 30, 1902. Latest record. New Haven, June i, 1901. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 14, 1904 ; Portland, Sept. 21, 1892. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 29, 1904; Portland, Oct. 22, 1894; East Hartford, Oct. 30, 1891 (W. E. T.). Unusual record. Litchfield, Sept. 28, 1906 (E. S. W.). (In- land, and at a distance from a large river.) In large series of P. nelsoni nelsoni and P. nelsoni subvirgatus, and an equal number of P. caudaattus, in coll. of L. B. B., no intermediates can be found. Passerherbulus nelsoni subvirgatus (Dwight). Acadian Sharp-tailed Sparrow. A common fall migrant in October, and much rarer spring migrant the last of May, keeping very closely as a rule to the salt marshes of the coast, and the wild rice, or water oats, growing along some of the larger rivers. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 24, 1900, May 21, 1892 (H. W. F.). Latest record. North Madi- son, June 9 (Dr. J. Dwight, Jr.).^ Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 27, 1900; Portland, Sept. 26, 1892; Lyme, Sept 25, 1896 (W. E. T.). Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 8, 1904; Portland, Oct. 21, 1893. Passerherbulus maritimus maritimus (Wilson). Seaside Sparrow. An abundant summer resident of the salt marshes from May until September. Earliest record. New Haven, April 30, 1894, April 28, 1890 (H. W. F.). ^Aiik^ iv. p. 236. 128 COXXECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 19, 1893, 1900, Oct. 30, 1889 (L. B. W.). Winter records. Dec. 30, 1882, Dec. 12, 1889, Guilford (L» B. B.) ; Jan. 18, 1888 (A. H. V.), Jan. 17, 1888, Nov. 17, 1892 (H. W. F.), New Haven; Dec. 17, 1884, West Haven (Webb). Nest. In the salt grass. Eggs. 3-5 ; last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 16, 1894, four eggs (L. B. B.). Latest record. July 12, 1883, four eggs (J. N. C). Partial albinos. Oct. 30, 1889. New Haven (L. B. W.) ; Dec. 12, 1889, Guilford, male, the entire interscapular region, most of the scapulars, the entire lower parts, and scattered contour feathers in the rest of the plumage, white (L. B. B.) ; Nov. 17, 1892, Quinnipiac Marshes, female with many white feathers (H. W. F.). Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys (J. R. Forster). White- crowned Sparrow. A rather rare and irregular spring and fall migrant in May and October ; more common in the fall. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 4, 1896; Portland, May 12, 1889, 1905. Latest record. New Haven, May 19, 1902; Portland, May 22, 1888. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 29, 1903 ; Portland, Oct. 2, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 26, 1905 ; Portland, Oct. 16, 1893. Winter records. Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 1874 (Merriam) ;^ March 20, 1875, Portland (J. H. S.). During the fall of 1893 this species was frequently noted in the vicinity of Portland by J. H. S., and in the fall of 1903 near New Haven by L. B. B. Near New Haven it has been noted 19 times in 11 different years since 1881 by L. B. B. Other records outside of Portland and New Haven include the follow- ing: Stamford, May 12, 1890 (Hoyt), Oct. 8, 1892 (Porter); Litchfield, Oct. 10, 1891 (L. B. W.), Oct. 10, 1905 (Sanford) ; East Hartford, May 6, 1893, Oct. 16, 19. 1895 (W. E. T.) ; Dan- bury, May 21, 1905 (J. C. A. M.) ; Stratford, Oct. 14, 1891, 1892 (Fames). 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 40. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I29 Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmelin). White-throated Sparrow. A common spring migrant in April and May, and even more common fall migrant in late September and October ; occasionally winters ; rare summer resident. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March ii, 1882; Portland, April 13, 1892. Latest record. New Haven, May 25, 1909; Portland, May 21, 1888. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 13, 1904; Portland, Sept. 15, 1877. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 20, 1907; Portland, Nov. 28, 1885. Winter records. Jan. 6, 1882, Dec. 19, 1900, Guilford (L. B. B.) ; Jan. i, 1886, Dec. 25, 1902, Feb. 7, 1903, Jan. 26, 1905, Portland (J. H. S.) ; Dec. 20, 1904, Woodmont (L. B. B.) ; abundant from Dec. 13, 1906, until spring of 1907, New Haven (A. A. S.) ; Dec. 25, 1909, New Haven (C. H. P. and A. W. H.). Summer records. June 18, 1904, Salisbury (J. H. S. and L. B. B. ) ( ?) ; July 8, 1905, Winsted (J. H. S.) ; June 26, 1906, Litchfield (E. S. W.). Spizella monticola monticola (Gmelin). Tree Sparrow. A common winter resident, arriving in November and leaving in March ; very abundant during these two months. Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 16, 1900, Oct. 15, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Oct. 10, 1890. Latest record. New Haven, April 18, 1885, April 28, 1907 (A. A. S. and Pangbum) ; Portland, April 25, 1907, 1908. The majority of these birds wintering in this state seem to be males. Their songs may be heard almost any mild day during the winter. Spizella passerina passerina (Bechstein). Chipping Spar- row. An abundant summer resident of orchards and gardens from April to October. Earliest record. New Haven, April 2, 1904, March 28, 1902 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, April 5, 1892, 1910; Hartford, April 4, 1906;^ Jewett City, April 5, 1907.^ 1 Bird-Lore, xi, 6, pp. 256-7. 9 130 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 31, 1902; Portland, Oct. 23, 1890, 1909; Hartford, Oct. 29, 1887;^ East Hartford, Nov. 19, 1888 (W. E. T.). Winter records. Feb. 23, 1877 (Grinnell) f Nov. 17, 1905, Light House Point, New Haven (E. S. W.) ; Dec. 8, 1906, New Haven (E. S. W.). Nest. In a bush, vine or tree, 5-15 feet from the ground. Eggs. 2-5 ; the last of Alay. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 10, 1896, four eggs (J. C. A. M.). Latest record. Aug. 23, 1883, two young (L. B. B.). The Chipping Sparrow chooses some very odd places for its nest. It has been found built on the ground (L. B. B. and J. C. A, M.), in very low bushes just a few inches from the ground, on a dead Hmb (J, H. S.), etc. A set of five eggs was taken near New London, May 29, 1897 (J. H. IT.), and an unspotted tgg in North Haven, May 23, 1883 (W. A. Robbins, in coll. of L. B. B.). A female, many of whose breast feathers had dark central shafts — as in ju venal Plumage — was taken in East Haven, May 1904 (L. B. B.). Spizella pusilla pusilla (Wilson). Field Sparrow. An abundant summer resident from April to November ; rarely wintering. Earliest record. New Haven, March 29, 1898, March 14, 1902 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, March 28, 19 10. Latest Record. New Haven, Nov. 30, 1901 ; Portland, Oct. 26, 1892. Winter records. Dec. 2, 1875 (Merriam) f Dec. 31, 1883, New Haven (L. C. S.) ; Jan. 31, 1885, New Haven (L. B. B.) ; Jan. I, 1886, Portland (J. H. S.) ; Jan. 11, 26, 1886, Jan. 20-6, 1887, East Hartford (W. E. T.) f Jan. 5, 1891, Feb. 6, 11, 1892, New Haven (Hedges) ; Jan. 26, 1901, Dec. 18, 1906, New Haven (L. B. B.) ; Jan. 26, 1907, North Haven (E. S. W.) ; a small flock, Jan. 19 — Feb 4, 1906, Dec. 11, 1906 — Feb. 26, 1907, and Dec. 7, 1907, New Haven (A. A. S.). ^Bird-Lore, xi, 6, pp. 256-7. 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 39. ^Aitk, iv, 3, p. 259. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. . I3I Nest. On the ground near the borders of an open field, or I to 3 feet from the ground in a bush, frequently a juniper. Eggs. 3-5 ; late in May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May lo, 1887, four eggs (H. W. B.), May 10, 1896, four eggs (J. C. A. M.). Latest record. July 29, 1900, three eggs (J. C. A. M.). Partial albinos. Aug. 26, 1893, Stamford, entire plumage un- usually pale, tail feathers almost white (Porter) ; May 2, 1899, New Haven, male with scattered white contour feathers (L. B. B.) ; Jan. 26, 1907, North Haven (E. S. W.). Junco hyemalis hyemalis (Linnaeus). Slate-colored Junco. An abundant fall and spring migrant in October, November, and March, and common winter resident. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 19, 1900; Portland, Sept. 15. 1903- Latest record. New Haven, May 4, 1898; Portland, April 27, 1907- Summer record. A young male in striped ju venal plumage taken at New Haven, July 27, 1903 (L. B. B.). Partial albinos. A young bird having the crown and most of the wings and tail ashy white, taken at New Haven, Dec. 21, 1900 (L. B. B.). Birds with the greater primary coverts spotted with white have been taken near New Haven, Oct. 25, 1901, Nov. 10, 1903, and Alarch 29, 1904 (L. B. B.). Melospiza melodia melodia (Wilson). Song Sparrow. An abundant summer and tolerably common winter resident, the great majority arriving early in March and leaving in November. It winters regularly along the shores of the Sound, and was especially abundant near New Haven and Bridgeport in Decem- ber, 1904. Period of singing. Earliest record. Feb. 21, 1900. Latest record. Oct. 24, 1892. Nest. On the ground, or in bushes and vines, 3-8 feet from the ground, usually partially covered with dry grass, weeds, or leaves, so as to be protected. Eggs. 3-8 ; usually 4 or 5 ; the last of May. 132 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 3, 1886, four eggs (Webb). Latest record. Aug. 24, 1883, three eggs (L. B. B.). Unusual set. May 24, 1894, Stamford, eight deserted eggs found, all closely resembling one another (Porter). Partial albino. A female with head and throat unspotted white, taken in Bridgeport, May 28, 1890 (Eames, in coll. of H. W. B.). Melospiza lincolni lincolni (Audubon). Lincoln's Sparrow. A rare fall and still rarer spring migrant in September and May. Spring records. Merriam records^ one taken in spring of 1875, at Saybrook, by J. N. C, three in spring of 1877, at L}Tne, by J. G. Ely, and three more at Suffield, by E. L Shores ; April 34, 1886, East Hartford (W. E. T.) -^ May 18, 1890, Stamford Porter) ; May 23, 1892, East Hartford, male and female shot (W. E. T.) f May 15, 1900, New Haven (L. B. B.) ; May, 1901, Stamford (Hoyt) ; May 12, 1907 (A. A. S.). Fall records. Sept. 21, 1885, East Hartford, female (W. E. T.) ; Sept. 15, 1887, Sept. 27, 1888, New Haven (H. W. F.) ; fall, 1891, Stamford (O. P. Hoyt) ; Sept. 21, 1892, Portland, one taken, Sept. 21, 27. 30, Oct. 3, 5, 1893, Portland, many seen, eight obtained by W. E. T. (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Sept. 2, 1893, Stamford (Porter) ; Sept. 14, 24, New Haven (L. B. B.) ; Sept. 23, New Haven (A. H. V.) ; Sept. 25, 28, Oct. 26, 1895, New Haven (H. W. F.) ; Sept. 29, Oct. 13, 1903, New Haven (L. B. B.) ; Oct. 13, 1906, New Haven (E. S. W.) ; Oct. 6, 1911, New Haven (L. B. B.). Melospiza georgiana (Latham). Swamp Sparrow. A common spring and abundant fall migrant in April, jMay, September, and October; a tolerably com.mon summer resident of the northern part of the state, but in the southern part known to breed only in the upper section of the Quinnipiac Marshes, where it is common, and near Bridgeport; very rare winter resident. 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 38-9. "^Auk, iii, 4, p. 487. 3 Auk, X, 2. p. 206. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I33 Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 2, 1895, 1901 ; Portland, March 14, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, May 23, 1882, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May 21, 1900. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 16, 1904; Portland, Sept. 21, 1892, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. II, 1903, Nov. 26, 1905 (E. S. W.) ; Portland, Nov. 28, 1885. Winter records. Jan. 27, 1883, New Haven, one taken (W. Kent) ; March 7, 1888, New Haven, one taken (H. W. F.) ; Jan. 3, 1903, Bethel, one taken (R. C. Judd) ; Feb. 12, 1906, Portland (J. H. S.) ; Jan. 11, 1910, New Haven (C. H. Pangburn, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Dec. 26, 1911, East Haven (A. W. H., D. B. P. and L. B. B.). Nest. In a tussock of marsh grass in a fresh-water swamp. Eggs. 4-5 ; the first part of June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. i\Iay 18, 1890, four eggs (H. C. Tudd). Latest record. June 22, 1907, four eggs (J. H. S.). Partial albinos. Young female taken at New Haven, Oct. 13, 1903, has greater wing coverts white and much white in rest of plumage (L. B. B.) ; another female taken at Litchfield, Oct. 12, 1903, has back pure white and throat and breast chiefly white (E. S. W.). Passerella iliaca iliaca (Merrem). Fox Sparrow. A common spring migrant in Alarch and early April, and a common fall migrant the last of October and November; win- tering rarely. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 6, 1894, Feb. 25, 1906 (E. S. W.) ; Portland, March 2, 1883. Latest record. New Haven, April 18, 1885, April 25, 1907 (A. A. S. and Pangburn) ; Portland, April 26, 1875. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 2, 1907, Sept. 16, 1895 (H. W. F.) ; Portland, Oct. 17, 1890, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 30, 1901 ; Portland, Nov. 27, 1874. Winter records. Jan. 5-6, 1882, Dec. 18, 1903, Jan. 9, 1905, Guilford (L. B. B.) ; Dec. 29, 1883, Bridgeport (C. K. Averill) ;^ 1 O. and O., ix, 2, p. 72. 134 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Dec. 5, 1906, Dec. 24, 1907, New Haven (A. A. S.) ; Dec. 25. 1909, New Haven (C. H. P. and A. W. H.) ; Dec. 26, 191 1, East Haven (A. W. H., D. B. P. and L. B. B.). Bridgeport, rare, but occurs in winter (Eames). This species suffered severely in the winter of 1895, ^^^ "ot until about 1901 did it regain its former numbers. For example, J. N. C. wrote in March, 1902, that they were common at Say- brook for the first time in five years. They often sing as they pass through the state, a large flock in full song having been noticed by L. B. B. on such winter dates as Nov. II (1903), Nov. 2 (1904), March 15 (1894), Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus (Linnseus). Towhee. A common summer resident from the latter part of April until the middle of October. A rare winter resident. Earliest record. New Haven, April 24, 1885, April 14, 1904 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, April 2T, 1909. Latest record. New Haven. Nov. 3, 1883; Portland, Nov. II, 1903. Winter records. Jan. 22, 1876, Portland (J. H. S.) ; Feb. Ii, 1882. Woodbridge (L. B. B.) ; Dec. 29, 1884, Guilford (L. B. B.) ; Jan. 16, 1899, Guilford (L. B. B.) ; Dec. 26, 1904, Stratford (J. C. A. M.) ; Jan. 16, 1905, East Haven (H. W. F.) ; Dec. 23, 1900. New Haven (A. A. S.). Nest. Located on the ground in brush, under a bush, or at the foot of a tree ; occasionally a foot or two from the ground in a small tree. Eggs. 3-5 ; May 25-30. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 16. 1894. four eggs (J. C. A. M.). Latest record. Julv 2T, 1895, three eggs (j. C. A. M.). Probably eggs are laid at an even later date, as two males that were evidently breeding were taken by L. B. B., July 26, 1904. Others were heard singing, July 27, 1903. and Aug. 9, 1904; and a female still in juvenal plumage was collected, Sept. 8, 1903. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I35 Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis (Linnaeus). Cardinal. Connecticut records. IMerriani^ records that a specimen was found in 1874 in New, Haven by Mr. Thomas Bostwick and was identified as a wild bird by Grinnell; May, 1885, Trumbull, a pair seen (Beers) ; a male in the collection of M. B. Tobey of Canaan may have been taken here, but is open to great doubt, since the collection contains a number of birds from the South and the West, and is not labelled ; late in May, about 1900, Winchester, a male with full crest seen (Williams).^ Zamelodia ludoviciana (Linnseus). Rose-breasted Gros- beak. A common summer resident from May until July. Earliest record. New Haven, May 5, 1897, 1906, April 30, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May i, 1890, 1891, 1896, 1906, 1907. Average of 32 years' records. May 7 (J. H. S.). Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 24, 1906, Sept. 28, 1892 (H. W. F.) ; Portland, Sept. 28, 1892. Winter records. Nov. 25, 1874, New Haven (Merriam) ;' Nov. 15, 1904, Bridgeport, an adult male found dead, apparently killed by a recent storm (Beers). This was a peculiarly interest- ing specimen, in that the recently assumed winter plumage dif- fered from that of the spring only in having a few brown tips to the feathers of head, back, throat, breast, and flanks, these tips hiding the black only on the back, and in having a conspicuous white malar stripe. Nest. In the top of a slender tree, or bush, e. g., elder, willow, elm, in a thicket in swampy woods ; 5-15 feet from the ground, occasionally higher. Eggs. 3-5 ; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 19, 1891, four eggs (J. C. A. M.). Latest record. June 18, 1888, three eggs (E. H. E.) ; June 18, 1900, three eggs (L. B. B.). Males hatched the previous year have occasionally in the spring many of the feathers of the throat and upper parts tipped with brown, and the rose-red of the breast prolonged almost to 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 44. 'Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 305. ^Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 43. ^o 6 COXNECTICUT GEOL. AXD NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. the bill. One in the collection of Porter has many of the feathers of the head and upper parts edged with rose-red. In 1849, by request of the late Dr. Jno. C. Comstock, many of whose notes are published in this report, the name of the Rose- breasted Grosbeak was added to the list of song birds protected by the first act of the Connecticut legislature, and probably the first legislation in New England, for such a purpose. At that time the bird was scarcely known, but now it appears to be in- creasing in numbers throughout the state (J. H. S.). Passerina cyanea (Linnaeus) , Indigo Bunting. A common summer resident from May until August. Earliest record. New Haven, j\Iay 8, 1897, 1908, May 3, 1888 (Webb) ; Portland, May 6, 1887, 1894; Litchfield, May 3, 1905 (E. S. W.). Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 2, 1895 ; Portland, Oct. 16, 1893. Nest. In a shrub or bush, rarely in the woods ; 2-3 feet from the ground. Eggs. 3-5 ; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record, May 30, 1900, three eggs (J. C. A. M.). Latest record. Aug. 18, 1906, eggs, hatched Aug. 29 (A. A. S.). Spotted eggs. Rare. Set of four, June 5, 1890, New Haven (Hedges, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; one, June 6, 1883, New Haven (Robbins and L. B. B.). A female with the crown, rump, and upper tail feathers blue, and many blue feathers in other parts of the plumage, especially on the throat and breast, and the abdomen white, was collected by H. W. F. near New Haven, ]\Iay 26, 1892. Heard singing as late as July 2^ (1903) and July 22 (1904) (L. B. B.). Spiza americana (Gmelin). Dickcissel. Formerly an abundant summer resident, but none have been taken in Connecticut in many years. Up to 1840 this species was very abundant near New Haven ; in fact it was almost as common as the English Sparrow is to-day, according to Professor Silliman of Yale, who thus reported it to Professor Verrill. A male and female of this species are in the No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I37 Peabody Museum, these specimens having come from the Yale Natural History Society, in a collection of mounted birds, some of which were collected by Linsley at Stratford, and the others probably near New Haven. Hoyt records a specimen being seen near Stamford in the summer of 1904 by Miss Fessenden ; but the possibility of mis- taking a male English Sparrow for the Dickcissel has been more than once proved by experienced ornithologists. Family TANGARID^. Tanagers. Piranga ludoviciana (Wilson). Western Tanager. A young male of this species was collected by H. W. Flint on Fair Haven Heights, In New Haven, Dec. 15, 1892. " It is not an escaped bird, as the feet and plumage clearly indicate."^ Piranga erythromelas Vieillot. Scarlet Tanager. A common summer resident from May until September. Earliest record. New Haven, May i, 1907; Portland, May 3, 1908. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 10, 1901 ; Portland, Oct. 9, 1891. Nest. In a tree in orchard or woodland, 5-20 feet from the ground. Eggs. 3-5 ; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 28, 1898, four eggs (L. B. B.), Latest record. Aug. 10, 1909, three eggs (M. T. Smith). Unusual eggs. Occasionally the eggs are very faintly and finely spotted, altogether lacking the usual bold markings; e. g., June 5, 1888, New Haven, set of four (Parsons) ; May 28, 1898, set of four (L. B. B.) ; June 2, 1903, Chester, one (Canfield) ; May 29, 1898, near New London, set of five (J. H. H.). Variations in plumage of the males in the spring are many and interesting; e. g., one with the prevailing color of the plumage except the wings and tail coral-red, taken by A. H. V. and L. B. B., May 17, 1894; another with the prevailing color rufous, taken by L. B. B., July 9, 1904; others show patches of cadmium-yellow, or have occasionally the lesser coverts and ^Auk, X, I, p. 86; also O. and O., xvii, 12, p. :5 138 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. bases of the greater coverts chrome-yellow or vermilion, or even more rarely the greater coverts tipped with vermilion. Adult males occasionally complete the fall moult before leaving for the south, specimens in full winter dress having been col- lected by L. B. B. the last of September. Piranga rubra rubra (Linnaeus). Summer Tanager. Very rare summer visitant. Connecticut records. Linsley recorded it from Stratford and New Haven. Merriam^ noted that Shores killed one at Suffield, July 21, 1876; May 23, 1882, Whitneyville, female collected (L. C. S. in company with L. B. B.) ; April 8, 1886, New Haven, male taken (Hooker, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; April 28, 1893, Port- land, a male which had died of exposure taken (Hurlburt, speci- men examined by J. H. S.) ;- April 27, 1895, Old Saybrook, male taken (J. N. C.).^ Family HIRUNDINID^. Swallows. Progne subis subis (Linnaeus). Purple Martin. Formerly an abundant summer resident from May until July; now rapidly decreasing throughout the state. Earliest record. New Haven, April 20, 1889; Portland, April 4, 1903. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 2, 1885 ; Portland, Sept. 19, 1892. Nest. Breeds in small colonies in martin-houses, though it has also been noted nesting in a hollow fence rail.* Eggs. 4-6; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 21, 1880, four eggs.'* Latest record. June 19, 1898, six eggs (Hill). Formerly Purple Martins bred commonly around New Haven and even in the center of the city ; but their numbers decreased in the eighties with the multiplication of the English Sparrows, so that they are now seldom seen there except as a rare migrant. In fact the last record in the breeding season for New Haven 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 27. « Auk, X, 3, p. 303. ^Auk, xii, 3, p. 306. •* O. and O.. v, 6, p. 47. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I39 by L. B. B. is June ly, 1893, and he has seen none at any season there since 1905. In Guilford Martins were abundant much later, but their num- bers have markedly decreased, and now most of the martin-boxes are untenanted except by English Sparrows. Only one small colony there and another in Madison were found by L. B. B. in the summer of 1904. Hoyt reports that there was in 1905 at least one colony still breeding in Stamford. Colonies in Middle- town and Portland were breeding in 1912. These birds should be encouraged by erecting boxes for them, care being taken to protect them from the English Sparrow, their worst enemy. Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons (Say). Cliff Swallow. A locally common summer resident from May until August; over most of the state only a tolerably common spring and fall migrant; decreasing, but not as rapidly as the Purple Martin. Earliest record. New Haven, May 3, 1882, April 15, 1877 (Osborne),^ April 21, 1906 (E. S. W.) ; Portland. May 19, 1905; Litchfield, April 30, 1905 (E. S. W.). Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 18, 1895, Sept. 30, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Sept. 14, 1877. Nest. Breeds in colonies under the eaves of barns and out- buildings. Eggs. 3-5 ; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 30, 1898, five eggs (Hill). Latest record. June 13, 1882, four eggs (L. B. B.). Unusual eggs. In a set of five eggs collected in Meriden, May 31, 1885 (L, B. B.), one egg is pure white with a few purplish brown specks at the larger end, another pale cream-bufT, heavily blotched with dull heliotrope-purple and mummy-brown at the base, while the other three are normal. Albino. Aug. 22, 1902, Gaylordsville, one seen (Austin). Hirundo erythrogastra Boddaert. Barn Swallow. An abundant summer resident from May until August. Earliest record. New Haven, April 13, 1887, April 7, i (Webb) ; Portland, April 6, 1889. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 21, 1903, Oct. 29, i (L. B. W.) ; Portland, Oct. 19, 1891. 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 30. I40 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Nest, On a beam or against a rafter in a barn or shed, or more rarely under the eaves. Eggs. 4-7; last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 15, 1894, one egg (L. B. B.). Latest record. Sept. 3, 1892, five eggs slightly incubated (Dickerman of Danbury).^ A set of seven eggs was collected by L. B. B. in New Haven, May 24, 1893. Iridoprocne bicolor (Vieillot). Tree Swallow. An abundant spring, summer, and fall migrant in April and May, and from July to October; a rare summer resident, but more common in Litchfield county; still rarer winter resident. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 25, 1893 ; Portland, March 27, 1899. Latest record. New Haven, May 27, 1902; Portland, May 17, 1901. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, July 8, 1904; Portland, July 14, 1886. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 21, 1900; Portland, Nov. i, 1910. Winter records. Winter, 1901-2, several spent the winter at Saybrook (J. N. C), where about a dozen were seen Jan. 31, and 20 or 30 more by L. B. B,, March 18, besides a probable straggler from that flock in Guilford, March 24. The stomachs of three collected were full of bayberries upon which they had lived during the winter. Nest. Usually in a hollow tree in an old woodpecker's nest, 10-15 feet from the ground. Eggs. 4-6; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 24, 1884, four eggs (J. H. S.). Latest record. June 20, 1898, five eggs (Hill). In the spring there appear to be two flights, one chiefly of adult males early in April, the other largely of females about the middle of May. This swallow is the earliest migrant to return from the north, as many as 500 having been seen near New Haven as early as July 14 (1904) by L. B. B., and the last swallow to stay with us in the fall, several hundred having been seen by him on Oct. 6. 1903, and about a thousand on Oct. 24, 1898, and Oct. 13, 1905, which had been spending the nights in the rushes on the Quinnipiac marshes. ' 0. and O., xvii, ii, p. 172. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I4I Riparia riparia (Linnseus). Bank Swallow. A summer resident from May until August, abundant locally where suitable banks occur along the larger rivers, but absent through much of the state except as a migrant. Earliest record. New Haven, April 25, 1888; Portland, April 17, 1882. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 11, 1902, Sept. 23, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Sept. 25, 1891. Nest. In a narrow burrow several feet deep, excavated by the birds in a sand bank, usually on the bank of a river; generally composed largely of feathers. Eggs. 2-6; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 17, 1872, one egg, May 21, four eggs (J. H. S.) ; May 22, 1904, six eggs (J. C. A. M.). Latest record. June 14, 1893, three eggs (J. C. A. M.). Unusual set. June 17, 1905, Litchfield, two incubated eggs (E. S. W.). Stelgidopteryx serripennis (Audubon). Rough-winged Swallow. A tolerably common summer resident of the southern border of the state from May until August; much rarer in the interior. Earliest record. New Haven, May i, 1897, April 30, 1907 (A. A. S.). Latest record. New Haven, Aug. 13, 1903. Unusual record. IMarch 3, 1888, Stamford (Hoyt, in coll. of L. B. B.). Nest. Located in a burrow in a sand bank, usually excavated by the birds themselves, wide enough to admit a man's arm, and somewhat broader than high, and from 3 to 5 feet long. Nest large and bulky and usually composed of sticks, weed stalks, grass, and leaves. Nests have also been found in empty pipes (A. A. S. and Case),^ in an old Kingfisher's nest (E. S. W. and J. C. A. M.), in a crevice of the arch of a stone bridge (Porter, May 26, 1894), and in the drain-pipe of a bridge (Beers, May 30, 1904). Eggs. 5-7; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 22, 1904, seven eggs (J. C. A. M.). Latest record. June 24, 1900, five eggs (Hill). 1 Oologist, xxii, 7, p. loS. 142 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. The bank selected for the nest is usually a small one, often in the woods or at the roadside, seldom near the water. Usually only one pair, and very rarely more than two, are found breeding at one place, but a colony of at least ten birds was found in New Haven, June 24, 1907 (A. A. S.). As a rule these swallows nest alone, though one pair was found breeding in a colony of Bank Swallows (J. C. A. j\I., 1904). This Swallow has been seen in New Milford (E. H. Austin) and in Kent (H. K. J.).^ A female, and three young just be- ginning to fly, seen at Portland, July 13, 1888, by J. H. S. Family BOMBYCILLID^. Waxwings. Bombycilla garrula (Linnseus). Bohemian Waxwing. Connecticut records. Feb. ii, 1875, New Haven, one seen (?) (Smith) f Merriam further records^ that Dr. Wood of East Windsor Hill shot one by accident while shooting into a flock of Cedar Birds (specimen now in Atheneum collection, Hartford) ; fall, 1899, Torrington, one shot from a flock of Cedar Birds (in possession of Hochstein).^ Bombycilla cedrorum Vieillot. Cedar Waxwing. A tolerably common summer resident and irregular winter resident, often abundant in the migrations from March to May, and from September to November. Earliest record. New Haven, ]\Iarch 2, 1904; Portland, INIarch 7, 1878. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 22, 1900; Portland, Oct. 9, 1892. Winter records. New Haven, Dec, 18S1, Jan., Feb., Dec, 1882, Jan., 1900, 1902; Portland, Jan., 1884, Dec, 1885, Jan., 1886, Feb., 1887, 1893, 1895. Nest. Most frequently in an apple or cedar growing in open country at from 10 to 15 feet from the ground; made of dead twigs, which the bird has once been seen to break off from the lower limbs of a tree. Eggs. 4-5 ; late in June. 1 Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 305. ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 32. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I43 Nesting dates. Earliest record. June 11, 1881, one egg (L. B. B.) ; June 15, 1884, five eggs (Eames). Latest record. Aug. 23, 1874, four eggs (J. H. S.). Thirteen nests of this bird were found in one thicket of young maples at West Haven in August and September, 1906, and four other nests were discovered there after the leaves had fallen (A. A. S.). A few of the rectrices are occasionally tipped with red in both sexes, and more rarely in the male many of the primaries; while the red tips of the secondaries are not unusual in ju venal plumage. Family LANIID.^. Shrikes. Lanius borealis Vieillot. Northern Shrike. A winter resident from November to Alarch ; probably occur- ring regularly, but seldom in large numbers, and not nearly as common at present as twenty years ago. Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 6, 1901 ; Portland, Oct. 26, 1888. Latest record. New Haven, March 31, 1906, April 17, 1907 (A. A. S. and Pangburn), April 18, 1885 (F. W. Wentworth) ; Portland, April 4, 1873. In March, before going north, the males occasionally mount to the top of some tree standing in rather open country, and warble in a harsh voice a song somewhat like that of a Bluebird. This singing has been watched by L. B. B. on March 28, 1883, and March 15, 1894, some of the notes on the latter occasion resembling those of the Chickadee. Lanius ludovicianus migrans \V. Palmer. ISIigrant Shrike. A rare and irregular fall migrant and winter resident from August until February, occurring chiefly near the salt marshes along the coast. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 18, 1903 ; Portland, Sept. 20, 1899. Latest record. New Haven, Feb. 15, 1902; Portland, April II, 1900. Breeding record. Latter part of May, about 1893, Winchester, nest with five eggs found in an apple orchard (Williams, recorded byH. K. J.).^ 1 Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 306. 144 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [BuU. Connecticut records. Nov., 1876, Portland, one taken (Goff, in coll. of W. W. C.) ; Aug. 22-4, 1882, Guilford, seen (L. B. B.) ; Jan. 30, 1883, Branford, male taken (Nichols, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; late Aug., 1880, one seen, and late Aug., 1885, two seen together, one shot, Bridgeport (Averill) -^ July, 1886, New Haven, male taken (H. W. F.) ; Aug. 15, 1888, North Haven, male taken (A. H. V., in coll. of Porter) ; Aug. 29, 1888, Bridge- port, young female (Averill, in Bpt. Sci. Soc.) ; Aug., 1892, New Haven (L. C. S., in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Sept. 18, 1895, North Haven, young female (L. B. B.) ; Sept. 20, Dec. 7, 1899, Portland, male (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; April 11, 1900, Portland, female (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Feb. 25, 1901, Stamford, male (Hoyt) ; Sept. 18, 1901, Saybrook, one seen (J. N. C.) ; Jan. 15, 1902, Portland, female (J. H. S.) ; Jan. 20, 1902, North Haven, adult male (Ludington, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Feb. 15, 1902, New Haven, female (L. B. B.) ; Oct. 2, 1902, Hamden, female (L. B. B.) ; Aug. 18, 1903, Branford, seen (L. B. B.) ; Oct. 6, 1903, North Haven, seen (L. B. B.) ; Nov. 6, 1903, Orange, female (Sherman, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Sept. 16, 1904, Stratford, young male (Beers and Perry) ; Oct. 25, 1904, Middletown, female (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Feb. 17, 1905, South Norwalk (Smith, recorded by J. A. Allen). 2 Family VIREONID^. Vireos. Vireosylva olivacea (Linnjeus). Red-eyed Vireo. An abundant summer resident of the woodland from the mid- dle of May until September. Earliest record. New Haven, May 4, 1882, May 2, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, April 26, 1896. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 10, 1901, Oct. 12, 1906 (A, A. S.) ; Portland, Oct. 8, 1890; Hartford, Oct, 25, 1900.^ Nest. Usually in a small tree or bush in dark woodland, 3 to 20 feet from the ground. Eggs. 3 or 4; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 25, 1906, one egg, May 28, four eggs (J. H. S.) ; May 28, 1889, four eggs (C. F. 1 Auk, vi. I, p. 74. * Auk, xxii, 2, p. 211. 'Bird-Lore, xi, 2, p. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I45 Hedges). Latest record. Aug. 4, 1882, two eggs and two Cow- birds' eggs (L. B. B.). This species is especially persecuted by the Cowbird; and, of 19 nests with 3 or more eggs recorded by L. B. B., 11 contained eggs of this parasite. It sings constantly its monotonous ditty through the summer months, and has been heard repeating it by L. B. B. as late as Sept. 8 (1902) and Sept. 14 (1903). Vireosylva philadelphica Cassin, Philadelphia Vireo. A very rare spring and fall migrant. Spring records. May 19, 1888, near New Haven, male taken (A. H. V.) ;^ May 18, 1900, Westville, male taken (L. B. B.) ; May 17, 1905, Litchfield, female taken (E. S. W.). Fall records. Sept. 21, 1893, Gildersleeve Island, Portland, male taken (S. R., in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Sept. 17, 1894, same locality, female taken (S. R., in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Oct. 4, 1899, Litchfield, female taken (E. S. W.) ; Sept. 14, 1905, East Haven, male taken (L. B. B.) ; Sept. 21, 1905, New Haven, female taken (L. B. B.). Vireosylva gilva gilva (Vieillot), Warbling Vireo. A common summer resident of the shade trees of the villages and cities, from May until September ; but rare elsewhere in the state. Earliest record. New Haven, May 2, 1899; Portland, April 26, 1908; Jewett City, April 20, 1898.^ Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 14, 1903, Sept. 19, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Sept. 17, 1895; Litchfield, Oct. i, 1890 (L. B. W.). Nest. High in an elm or maple ; occasionally in an apple tree. Eggs. Usually 4; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 26, 1895, four eggs (H. R. Buck). . Latest record. June 14, 1876, four eggs (J. H. S.). This bird has been heard singing as late as Sept. 12 (1885) and Sept. 14 (1903) (L. B. B.). 1 O. and O., xiii, 7, p. 103. * Bird-Lore, xi, 3, p. 79. 10 146 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Lanivireo flavifrons (Vieillot). Yellow-throated Vireo. A tolerably common summer resident of the orchards, shade trees, and more open woodland, from May until August. Earliest record. New Haven, April 27, 1886; Portland, April 26, 1889. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 20, 1900, Oct. 12, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Sept. 21, 1893. Nest. In tall tree, 12 to 35 feet from the ground. Eggs. Usually 4; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. June 6, 1900, three eggs and one Cowbird's egg (L. B. B.). Latest record. June 17, 1893, four eggs (H. W. F. and L. B. B.) ; July 10, 1894, one young and one spoiled egg (L. B. B.). J. H. S. notes that this species and Vireosylva gilva gilva usually migrate together. Lanivireo solitarius solitarius (Wilson). Blue-headed Vireo; Solitary Vireo. A common fall and much rarer spring migrant in early May and October; very rare summer resident. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 3, 1909, April 20, 1892 (Hedges) ; Portland, April 18, 1908, Litch- field, April 25, 1905 (E, S. W.). Latest record.. New Haven, May 8, 1907, May 12, 1891 (H. W. F.) ; Portland, May 9, 1882; Litchfield, May 26, 1905 (E. S. W.). Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 22, 1896 ; Portland, Sept. 28, 1899; Litchfield, Sept. 18, 1891 (L. B. W.)- Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 18, 1888, Oct. 23, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Oct. 19, 1892. Nest. In young tree or bush, from 5 to 10 feet from the ground. Eggs. Usually 4; late in May and early in June. Nesting records. Eastford, May 31, 1880, four young; June 6, 1885, two eggs and one Cowbird's tgg; May 14, 1886, build- ing. May 27, four eggs ; May 27, 28, 1886, nests ; June 10, 1886, nest, birds hatched and flown away (C. M. Jones).* Nor- folk, June 23, 1893, four fresh eggs (W. E. T., in coll. of J. H. » O. and O., xii, 3, p. 26. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 147 S.). Bethel, June 9, 1895, nest with four eggs (Hamlin). Millington, May 30, 1899, nest with four eggs (J. H. S.). West Simsbury, June 8, 1894, nest with four eggs (Case).^ Litchfield, late in June, 1907, male in full song (H. K. J. and E. S. W.) f shot, July I, 1907 (E. S. W.) Vireo griseus griseus (Boddaert). White-eyed Vireo. A common summer resident in the southern part of the state from May until August ; rarely breeds in Litchfield County. Earliest record. New Haven, April 30, 1885 ; Portland, May 4, 1892. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 14, 1886; Sept. 20, 1906, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Sept. 15, 1877. Sept. 29, 1890, May 25, 1897, May 17, 1905, and July 12, 1906, are the only records from Litchfield (L. B. W. and E. S. W.) ; Lake Waramaug, June 10, 1900, one seen (L. B. B.). Nest. Usually in a dense bush or thicket, from 1^/2 to 2^4 feet from the ground. Eggs. Commonly 4; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 26, 1887, four eggs (H. W. F.). Latest record. June 21, 1888, four eggs (H. W. F.) ; July 2, 1907, half-grown young (A. A. S.). A set of unspotted eggs has been found near Bridgeport by J. C. A. M., and a single similar t.^'g in a nest containing young at New Haven by L. B. B. This bird has been heard singing its ludicrous song as late as Aug. 15 (1904) by L. B. B. Family MNIOTILTIDiE. Wood Warblers. Mniotilta varia (Linnaeus). Black and White Warbler. A common summer resident from early May until September; most abundant during the migrations in May and September. Earliest record. New Haven, April 26, 1900, 1906, 1909, April 20, 1907 (Kedzie) ; Portland, April 23, 1909. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 4, 1901, Oct. 7, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Oct. 6, 1892. > Auk, xiii, 4, p. 343. • Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 306. 148 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Nest. On the ground in woods with considerable under- growth, though occasionally in the grass of an open field. Eggs. 4-5 ; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 20, 1895, five eggs (H. W. F.). Latest record. June 13, 1896, four eggs (J. H. S.) ; June 16, 1884, four young and one Cowbird ( Prior) .^ This warbler has been heard singing as late as July 22. (1904) by L. B. B. Protonotaria citrea (Boddaert). Prothonotary Warbler. The only records of this warbler for the state are, New Haven, Nov. 27, 1911, a young female found dead (W. F. Smith), ^ and Glastonbury, May 14, 1910, one seen plainly (L. W. Ripley). Helmitheros vermivorus (Gmelin). Worm-eating Warbler. A tolerably common summer resident along the coast; occur- ring rarely in the interior as far north as Kent and Portland; from the middle of May until early in August. Earliest record. New Haven, May 6, 1904, May 3, 1892 (H. W. F.) ; Portland, May 6, 1896. Latest record. New Haven, Aug. 22, 1903; Portland, June 18, 1896; Seymour, Sept. 30, 1888 (Eames). Nest. On the ground among dead leaves under some small plant on a hillside in the woods. Eggs. 3-6 ; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 20, 1891, five eggs (Watrous). Latest record. June 19, 1890, five ^%Z^ (H. W. F.). Occurrence. This species was reported as " rare " by Mer- riam^ in New Haven, but since then (1877) has become tolerably common east of the city, though still rare to the west. It has been taken also at East Haven (H. W. F.), Pine Orchard (L. B. B.), Saybrook (J. N. C), New London (Hill), Stamford (Porter), Bridgeport (Eames) ; inland, at Portland (J. H. S.), Seymour (Eames), Bethel (Judd), Danbury (J. C. A. M.),Kent (H. K. J.)/ Suffield ( Shores). » * O. and O., ix, 9, p. 109. * Bird-Lore, xiv, 2, p. 109. ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 12. * Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 306. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I49 Vermivora pinus (Linnaeus). Blue-winged Warbler. An abundant summer resident of southern Connecticut from early May until August, outnumbering any other warbler with the possible exception of the Oven-bird ; rarer farther north, though breeding at Portland and at Lake Waramaug in Litch- field County. Earliest record. New Haven, May 2, 1899, April 30, 1908 (C. H. P.) ; Portland, May 2, 1902. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 16, 1904; Portland, Aug. Q.y, 1910. Nest. Usually at the base of some small plant, often a golden- rod, where woods and meadow join, but also frequently in a small glade in the woods or smaller opening in brush land. Eggs. 4-6; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 20, 1896, five eggs (H. W. F.). Latest record. June 16, 1899, four eggs (J. C. A. M.). Occurrence. From Bridgeport to New Haven the Blue- winged Warbler is a very abundant summer resident, Dr. Fames having seen at Bridgeport fully sixty males in song on May 9, 1889; but east of Branford it becomes rare, and has been seldom noticed by L. B. B. at Stony Creek or Guilford. At the mouth of the Connecticut they are again abundant. In the interior of the state they are likewise rather rare except in the spring migra- tion, J. H. S. having noted its occurrence only once after June 13 (Aug. 27, 1910), and having observed only three nests; and E. S. W. having noted it only four times in Litchfield. At Danbury a male was taken April 27, 1908 (J. C. A. M.) ; and it has been seen in Kent in August, 1907 (G. E. Hix), at Lake Waramaug, June 10, 1900, and in Washington, May 30, 1907 (L. B. B.). This species was found interbreeding with V . chrysoptera, at Portland, June 13, 1889,^ and a male said to be mate of a female V. chrysoptera was taken with it in Woodbridge, May 23, 1898 (A. H. v., in coll. of L. B. B.). Males showing an approach to V. lazvrencei in having much black on lores and auriculars or one or two black feathers on ' Auk, Ti, 3, p. 279. 150 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. throat have been taken at New Haven on May 23, 1902, June 5, 1905, May 24, 1907, and May 18, 1908 (L. B. B.). Vermivora chrysoptera (Linnaeus.) Golden- winged War- bler. A rare summer resident in most parts of the state, very local in its distribution ; a regular summer resident in small numbers at Portland. Earliest record. New Haven, May 11, 1904, 1905, May 7, 1895 (H. W. F.) ; Portland, May 3, 1896; Litchfield, May 7, 1905 (E. S. W.). Average date of arrival at Portland for thirty-three years. May 14. Latest record. New Haven, May 12, 1894, May 23, 1898 (A. H. V.) ; Portland, June 22, 1894; Litchfield, July 12, 1906 (E. S. W.) ; Suffield, July 7, 1876 (Shores) ;^ New Haven, Aug. 24, 1912 (L. B. B.). Occurrence. Bethel, breeding (Stetson, Judd, and Hamlin) ; Stratford (Eames) ; New Haven (Hedges, H. W. P., A. H. V., E. S. W., L. B. B.) ; Litchfield (E. S. W.) ; Danbury, breeding (J. C. A. M.) ; Kent (Job) ; Portland, breeding (J. H. S.). It has not been found at New London by Hill, nor at East Hartford by W. E. T., nor at Saybrook by J. N. C, though J. H. S. found one at Saybrook, May 30, 1877. Nest. On the ground in brush land near a swamp. Eggs. Usually 4 or 5 ; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 29, 1895, five eggs (Hamlin). Latest record. June 21, 1894, four eggs (J. H. S.). A nest containing five young with the male parent of this species and the female V. pinus was found at Bethel, June 11, 1905. June 16, the young had left the nest; but one was caught which had an olive-green back and yellow throat, breast, and lower parts, showing no black on throat or through eye (J. C. A. M. and R. C. Judd). Vermivora rubricapilla rubricapilla (Wilson). Nashville Warbler. A common spring and fall migrant in May and September; breeds in small numbers throughout the state, but more frequently in the northern part. » Merriatn, Birds of Conn., p. 14. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I5I Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 30, 1908; Portland, May 3, 1899. Latest record. New Haven, May 23, 1898, May 31, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May 30, 1894, 1905. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 14, 1905 ; Portland, Sept. 27, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 9, 1907; Portland, Sept. 27, 1893. Occurrence. Deep River, two nests (H. W. F.) ; New Haven, three nests (H. W. F.), one nest (L. B. B.) ; Bridgeport, one nest (Beers and Canfield) ; Seymour, breeds somewhat commonly, five or six pairs breeding regularly each year^ (Fames) ; Kent, one nest (H. K. J.).^ Although common in the spring at Litch- field (L. B. W. and E. S. W.) and at Portland (J. H. S.), no nests have been found at the former place and but one at the latter (June 4, 1889, four young, J. H. S.). Nest. On the ground, usually just within the edge of the woods. Eggs. 4-5 ; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 30, 1890, five eggs (H. W. F.). Latest record. June 8, 1888, five eggs (E. H. E.). Vermivora celata celata (Say). Orange-crowned Warbler. A rare straggler from the West during the migrations. Connecticut records. May 8, 1888, East Hartford, male shot, in company with Nashville Warblers (W. E. T.) ;' Nov. 11, 1893, Stamford, female (Porter) ; Oct. i, 1906, New Haven, male taken (L, B. B.) ; Oct. 8, 1906, New Haven, young male' taken (E. S. W.) ; Oct. 6, 191 1, New Haven, one seen (L. B. B.). Vermivora peregrina (Wilson). Tennessee Warbler. A rare spring and fall migrant in May and September. Spring records. June 8, 1875, Sufiield, one shot (Shores) ;* May 24, 1876 (Osborne), May 26, 1876 (Bragg), New Haven;* May, 1876, Deep River (H. W. F.) ; May 26, 1888, Seymour (Fames) ; May 26, 1888, New Haven (H. W. F.) ; May 24, 1889, Bridgeport (Fames) ; May 20, 1891, New Haven (Webb) ; May 20, 1892, three, Stamford (Porter) ; May 23, 1892, East • Auk, X, I, p. 90. *Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 307. • Auk, V, 3, p. 323. • Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 14. 152 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Hartford (W. E. T.) ; spring, 1894, New Haven (W. C. Mor- gan) ; May 17, 1899, Portland (S. R.) ; May 16, 1900, Portland (J.H.S.) ; May 19-27, 1905, Litchfield, tolerably common, several being secured (E. S. W.) ; June 3, 1907, Kent (H. K. J.) ;^ May 15-17, 1909, Portland (J. H. S.) ; May 23, 1910, Portland (J. H. S.). Fall records. Sept. 24, 1887, New Haven (H. W. F.) ; Sept. 15, 1892, 1896, Litchfield (E. S. W.) ; Oct. 5, 1905, Sept. 8, Oct. 8, 1906, Oct. 9, 1907, New Haven (L. B. B.). Compsothlypis americana usneae Brewster. Northern Parula Warbler. A common spring and fall migrant in May and September, breeding wherever it finds trees covered with Usnea. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 29, 1882, April 28, 1888 (L. B. W.), 1902 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May I, 1882. Latest record. New Haven, May 21, 1900, 1902; Portland, May 30, 1904. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. i, 1903, Aug. 19, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Sept. 21, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 14, 1907; Portland, Oct. 18, 1899. Winter records. Dec. 14, 1877, Deep River (H. W. F.) ; Nov. 28, 1901, New Haven, found dead after a severe storm by Prof. Reynolds (identified by L. C. S.). Nest. Built in and of the Usnea, generally growing on cedars in the woods, also in swamp oaks, maples, hornbeams, etc., covered with Usnea; 3 to 20 feet from the ground. Eggs. 3-8; usually 3 or 4; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 18, 1894, two eggs (L. B. B.). Latest record. June 29, 1886, four eggs (C. L. R.). Of 30 nests recorded by C. L. R.^ between 1881 and 1887, 25 were found between June i and 12. The number of eggs in these 30 nests was as follows: 2 nests with 2 eggs, 7 nests with 3 eggs, 18 nests with 4 eggs, i nest with 5 eggs (May 31, 1887), i nest with 7 eggs (June 12, 1886), and i nest with 8 eggs (June 12, 1890) .3 » Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 307. ' O. and O., xiii, i, pp. 1-5. ' O. and O., xvi, 4, p. 60. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I53 These Usnea-covered trees have decrease! greatly near New Haven in the past twenty years, and with them have gone the Parula Warblers as summer residents. Dendroica tigrina (Gmelin). Cape May Warbler. A very rare spring and fall migrant. Connecticut records. Spring, 1876, Suffield, not uncommon (Shores) ;^ May 13, 1876, Portland, two adult males seen in the garden, one shot (J. H. S.) ; May 23, 1882, Lake Whitney, Ham- den, male taken (L. B. B.) ; May 4, 1887, East Hartford, male taken (C. C. H.) ; Aug. 28, 1889, Bridgeport, one taken (W. H, Lucas) f Sept. 14, 1890, East IJartford, one seen (W. E. T.) ; May 13, 1891, East Hartford, male shot (W. E. T.) ; May 7, 1900, Kent, male taken (H. K. J.) ; spring, 1900, Saybrook, one taken and another seen (J. N. C.) ; May 8, 1905, Litchfield, male secured (E. S. W.) ; May 10, 1907, New Haven, one seen (A. A. S.) ; May 12, 1909, Cromwell, one picked up dead (in coll. of J. H. S.). Dendroica aestiva asstiva (Gmelin). Yellow Warbler. A common summer resident from May until August, fre- quenting the alders and willows along the streams. Earliest record. New Haven, April 30, 1888, 1894, 1908, April 29, 1902 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, April 29, 1881, 1902, 1908. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 25, 1900, Nov. 7, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Sept. 23, 1893. Nest. In a bush or sapling in a swampy thicket, or less com- monly in dry woods. Of 86 nests recorded by J. H. S., 1905-9, the distribution was as follows : 48 in elder ; 7 in willow ; 6 in alder ; 2 each in ash, apple, and elm ; i each in wild cherry, but- tonwood, poplar, pear, and clematis ; and 4 in small bushes. Height from ground varied from 3 to 30 feet, usually 3 to 6 feet. Building, May 12 to June 15; &.verage, May 15-25. Eggs. 3-5; last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 22, 1899, four eggs (J. H. H.). Latest record. June 30, 1895, three eggs (J. C. A. M.). 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 17. * O. and O., xiv, 10, p. 160. 154 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Double nests. Nests with a double bottom built over an in- truding Cowbird's egg, found June 30, 1895, and May 27, 1900 (J. C. A. M.) ; June, 1893 or 1894 (Porter) ; June 2, 1898 (L. B. B.). Dendroica caerulescens caerulescens (Gmelin). Black- throated Blue Warbler. A common spring and autumn migrant in May and September ; breeds tolerably commonly in Litchfield County at least as far south as Warren. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 5, 1894, April 30, 1908 (C. H. Pangbum) ; Portland, May 4, 1896; Hart- ford, April 29, 1891.^ Latest record. New Haven, May 28, 1907, May 29, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May 26, 1894. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 11, 1902, 1903 ; Portland, Sept. 23, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. II, 1906, Oct. 17, 1888 (H. W. F.) ; Portland, Oct. 9, 1883. Nest. Just oflf the ground in thicket, usually of Kalmia; in woods. Eggs. 3-5 ; early in June. Breeding records. June 8, 13, 1874, two nests, and June 7, 1881, four eggs, Eastford (C. M. Jones) ;^ June 8, 1900, Kent, nest with four eggs, female secured (L. B. B.) ; June 7, 1905, nest with five eggs, June 10, 1905, three eggs, Litchfield (E. S. W.). The authors found this species tolerably common in Salisbury between June 16 and 20, 1904, frequenting wooded hillsides, over- grown with Kalmia. Dendroica coronata (Linnaeus). Myrtle Warbler. A common spring and fall migrant in April, October, and November; a tolerably regular winter resident, especially near the coast. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 15, 1894; Portland, March 11. 1882. Latest record. New Haven, May 18, 1884, May 21, 1905 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May 22, 1905; Litchfield, May 24, 1905 (E. S. W.)- ^Bird-Lore, riii, 6, p. aoj. *Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 1$. O. mnd O., rl, 7, p^ 49-S«. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I55 Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 21, 1903; Portland, Sept. 21, 1892, 1893; Litchfield, Sept. 14, 1905 (E. S. W.). Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 25, 1903; Portland, Nov. I, 1890. Winter records. New Haven or Guilford, Jan. 5, Feb. 8, 22, Dec. 12, 28, 1882, Jan. i, 1883, Feb. 17 (?), 1886, Jan. 2, 1894, Jan. 22, 1896, Jan. 17, Feb. 11, 1898, Jan. 16, 1899, Jan. 24, Dec. 12, 1900, Jan. 15, 1902, Dec. 18, 1903, Feb. 27, 1904, Jan. 24, 1906 (L. B. B.) ; Portland, Dec. 15, 1882, Jan. 22, 1884, Dec. 29, 1892, Feb. 8, 1896, Feb. 23, 1903 (J. H. S.). Other records: Jan. i, 1883, Portland (C. H. N.) ;^ Jan. 29, 1905, New Haven (Stetson). Dendrcica magnolia (Wilson). Magnolia Warbler. A common spring, and somewhat less common fall, migrant, in May and September; may breed in Litchfield County. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 7, 1888, May 3, 1886 (Webb) ; Portland, May 6, 1896. Latest record. New Haven, May 26, 1882, 1894, May 29, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May 29, 1907, 1909; Litchfield, June 8, 1891 (E. S. W.) ; Salisbury, early in July, 1906 (?) (H. K. J.). Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 14, 1903 ; Portland, Sept. 21, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 4, 1901 ; Portland, Sept. 28, 1892. Partial albino. May 17, 1888, Seymour, a male with the entire top of the head, hind neck, and a broad eye ring white (Eames, in coll. of Beers). Dendrcica cerulea (Wilson). Cerulean Warbler. A straggler to the southern border of the state; possibly a very rare summer resident. Connecticut records: April, 1841, Stratford (Linsley) f June 12, 1875, Suffield, male taken (Shores) f May 10, 1888, Seymour, a female taken in a flock of Parulas (Eames) ;* May 12, 1900, Bridgeport, male taken (Beers, the two latter being in the collec- tion of Beers). » O. and O., viii, 4, p. 32. * Mcrriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 15-16. 'Bull. Nuttall Ornith. Club, ii, I, p. 31 ; recorded also by Merriam as aboT*. * Auk, V, 4, pp. 431-2. 156 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Dendroica pensylvanica (Linnaeus). Chestnut-sided Warbler. A common summer resident from May until August; breed- ing more abundantly in the northern part of the state. Earliest record. New Haven, May 2, 1899; April 30, 1908 (C. H. P.) ; Portland, April 28, 1908. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 14, 1895, Sept. 24, 1887 (H. W. F.) ; Portland, Sept. 5, 1892. Nest. In a small bush, usually in a brush lot, occasionally in the woods; 1-4 feet from the ground. Eggs. 2-4; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 23, 1896, four eggs (H. \V. B.). Latest record. June 24, 1895, three eggs and one Cowbird's egg (Hamlin) ; July 22, 1904, young just out of the nest (L. B. B.). This species has been found occupying a deserted Red-eyed Vireo's nest, the only part it had constructed being the lining of hair (Hamlin, June 22, 1895). ^ "^st containing four eggs, and one of the Cowbird half buried in the bottom, was found. May 31, 1899 (J. C. A. M.). Heard singing as late as July 10 (1888), by Eames. A male taken in Litchfield, Aug. 17, 1892, by E. S. W. has a very slender bill, the maxilla being .5 inch long, and the mandible slightly shorter with a scoop-shaped tip. Dendroica castanea (Wilson). Bay-breasted Warbler. Usually a rare spring migrant and still rarer in the fall ; occa- sionally common for a few days in May. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 10, 1900; Portland, May 12, 1905. Latest record. New Haven, June 6, 1882 ; Portland, May 26, 1882. Fall records. Sept. 30, Oct. 17, 1876 (Osborne) ;^ Sept. 25, 1890, Sept. 18, 1893, Portland (J. H. S.) ; Sept. 16, Oct. 5, 1887, East Hartford (W. E. T.) ; Sept. 26, 1893, Stamford (Porter) ; Sept. 6, 13, 1905, Litchfield (E. S. W.) ; Sept. 27, 191 1, New Haven (l!'b. B.). Spring occurrence. New Haven, 1882 (common), 1884, 1886 (Webb), 1892 (FUnt), 1900 (common), 1902, 1905, 1906, 1907 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. i6. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I57 (A. A. S.), 1909; Stamford, 1888 (L. B. B.), 1902, 1905 (Por- ter) ; Seymour, 1888 (Eames) ; Bridgeport, 1892 (Eames) ; Mil- ford, 1893 (Eames) ; Portland, 1874, 1875, 1876, 1882, 1892, 1896, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1902, 1905, 1907, 1908, 1909. J. N. C. wrote in 1900 that in all his collecting he had only seen or taken two Bay-breasted Warblers at Saybrook, Dendroica striata (J. R. Forster). Black-poll Warbler. An abundant spring and fall migrant in the last of May and in September and October; their presence in the spring usually indicating the close of the warbler migration. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 13, 1904, April 29, 1908 (Pangburn) ; Portland, May 8, 1880. Latest record. New Haven, June 9, 1907, June 16, 1907 (A. A. S. and Bamum) ; Portland, June 17, 1907. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 8, 1902; Portland, Sept. 14, 1908; East Hartford, Sept. i, 1887, 1890 (W. E. T.) ; Litchfield, Sept. 7, 1905 (H. Sanford). Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 25, 1906; Portland, Oct. 25, 1887. Oct. 30, 1906, New Haven, a pensioner was taken by L. B. B. Dendroica fusca (Miiller). Blackburnian Warbler. A tolerably common spring and much rarer fall migrant in May and September; a few spending the summer in the pine groves of the northern part of Litchfield County, and doubtless breeding there. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 4, 1900, April 29, 191 1 (A. W. H.) ; April 30, 1908 (Pangburn) ; Portland, May 6, 1891, 1896. Latest record. New Haven, May 26, 1900; May 30, 1907 (Moore) ; Portland, May 30, 1882, Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 13, 1905; Portland, Sept. 5, 1892; Stamford, Aug. 30, Sept. 4, 1893 (Por- ter) ; Litchfield, Aug. 29, 1892 (E. S. W.). Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 2, 1888 (H. W. F.) ; Portland, Sept. 28, 1875 ; Litch- field, Sept. 13, 1905 (E. S. W.). Summer records. July, 1873, Lyme, a female taken (J. G. Ely) f June 25, 1879, Cornwall, male and female taken (Wool- sey, in Peabody Museum) ; June 19, 20, 1904, Salisbury, two * Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. i6. 158 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. breeding males taken (J. H. S. and L. B. B.) ; June 16, 21, 24, 29, 1905, Litchfield (E. S. W.). Dendroica virens (Gmelin). Black-throated Green War- bler. A common summer resident of the hemlock groves through- out the state from May until October ; most abundant during the migration in May and September. Earliest record. New Haven, April 21, 1886; Portland, April 27, 1886. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 20, 1908; Nov. 7, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Oct. 21, 1890. Nest. On the horizontal limb of a hemlock, less frequently in a birch or cedar ; 3 to 30 feet from the ground. Eggs. 4-5 ; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 21, 1890, four eggs (H. W. F.). Latest record. June 20, 1894, four eggs (J. H. S.). Dendroica vigorsi (Audubon). Pine Warbler. A rather rare migrant, chiefly in April, and still rarer summer resident. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 10, 1890, March 30, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, April 2, 1882, Sey- mour, April 3, 1885 (Eames). Latest record. New Haven, May 3, 1882, May 12, 1880 (Woolsey) ; Portland, April 28, 1901. Fall records. East Hartford, Sept. 26, Oct. 5, 1885, Sept. % Oct. 5, 1887 (W. E. T.) ; Portland, Sept. 21, Oct. 5, 1892; New Haven, Oct. 10, 1893 (L. B. B.), Oct. 4, 1906 (E. S. W.), Oct. 8-23, 1906 ( ?) (A. A. S.) ; Litchfield, Oct. 8, 1905 (H. Sanford, by E. S. W.). Breeding records. July 4, 1893, East Haven, nest with young in a pine about 20 feet from the ground (H. W. F.) ; May 24, 1906, Windsor, a few evidently breeding (E. S. W.) ; June i, 1909, East Haven, nest with three eggs in pitch pine (L, B. B.). Dendroica palmarum palmarum (Gmelin). Palm Warbler. A rare but probably regular fall migrant, the latter part of September. Fall records. New Haven, Sept. 18, 1878, male taken (Wool- sey, in Peabody Museum), Oct. 7, 1905, two (E. S. W.), Sept. 24, 1895, male, Oct. i, 1895, male, Sept. 19, 1903, female, Sept. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 1 59 26, 1905, two, Oct. 5, 1905, one female, Oct. 9, 1906, Sept. 26, 1907 (L. B. B.) ; Windsor, Sept. 4, 1893, one young taken ;^ Portland, Sept. 7, 1893, one shot in garden of J. H. S. by S. R. ; Branford, Sept. 15, 1906, two (L. B. B.) ; East Haven, Oct. 5, 1907 (L. B. B.). Spring record. May 5, 1888, Stamford, female taken (Hoyt). Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea Ridgway. Yellow Palm Warbler. A common spring and fall migrant in April and October; possibly occasionally wintering. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 10, 1889, March 24, 1890 (L. B. W.) ; Portland, April 4, 1910. Latest record. New Haven, May 13, 1882, May 14, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May 8, 1893. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 26, 1901, 1907; Portland, Sept. 29, 1893; Litchfield, Sept. 22, 1898 (E. S. W.). Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 30, 1907, Nov. 12, 1892 (H. W. F.) ; Portland, Oct. 31, 1908. Winter record. Dec. 25, 1887, Woodmont, one taken (R. D. Camp) . Dendroica discolor (Vieillot). Prairie Warbler. A common summer resident of the southern part of the state from May until July; less common farther north. Earliest record. New Haven, May 2, 1882, 1899, April 27, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, April 27, 1888. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 17, 1904; Portland, Sept. 21, 1892. Nest In a small shrub, often a birch or bayberry, in a thicket, ij/^ to 3 feet from the ground. Eggs. 3-5 ; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 27, 1894, four eggs and one Cowbird's tgg (Morgan and L. B. B.). Latest record. June 25, 1888, four eggs (Fames). Dr. Fames found it breeding commonly in Seymour in hazel bushes, and has heard it singing as late as July 10 (1888). It is very rare in Stamford (Hoyt and Porter). Mr, F. S. Woodruff found a few at Rainbow, Windsor, May 24, 1906. ^ Auk, xi, 2, p. 181. l6o CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Seiurus aurocapillus (Linnaeus). Ovenbird. An abundant summer resident of woodland from May until September. Earliest record. New Haven, April 27, 1907, April 26, 1902 (A, A. S.) ; Portland, May 2, 1902, 1908; Hartford, April 26, 1893.^ Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 9, 1894; Portland, Sept. 28, 1901. Nest. On the ground in the woods, covered; usually com- posed of leaves, strips of bark and vines, and weeds, and lined with fine grass and hair. Eggs. 2-6, usually 3-5 ; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 20, 1886, four eggs (J. H. S.) ; May 20, 1895, five eggs (Beers). Latest record. July 10, 1900, three eggs (L. B. B.). A set of six eggs was collected near New Haven, May 30, 1891, by H. W. F. ; a set of two eggs watched from May 31 to June 5, 1884, by Hamlin,^ and another set of two incubated eggs watched from June i to June 5, 1896, by L. B. B. ; a nest with two infertile eggs and five young birds was found June 16, 1883, by L. B. B. This species is much persecuted by the Cowbirds, 11 out of 30 nests examined by L. B. B. containing eggs of this pest. The Ovenbird has been heard singing as late as July 22 (1904) by L. B. B. Seiurus noveboracensis noveboracensis (Gmelin), Water- Thrush. A common migrant in May, August, and early September, frequenting the swamps and sluggish watercourses. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 6, 1899, May 2, 1888 (H. W. F.), May 2, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Port- land, April 27, 1908; Litchfield, May i, 1905 (E, S. W.). Latest record, New Haven, May 29, 1907, May 31, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May 30, 1905; Litchfield, June 3, 1905 (E. S. W.). Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 3, 1898; Portland, Aug. 17, 1886. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 6, ' Bird-Lore, viii, 3, p. loo. ' O. and O., xvii, 7, p. 103. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 161 1895; Portland, Oct. 3, 1890, 1893, 1894; Litchfield, Sept. 23, 1905 (E. S. W.). Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis Ridgway. Grinnell's Water-Thrush. A rare visitor during migrations. Connecticut records. Sept. 7, 1904, Hamden, young female; Sept. 21, 1904, East Haven, young male; May 20, 1905, Orange, adult male; Aug. 25, Sept. 7, 1906, New Haven — all taken by L. B. B. ; Aug. 29, 1907, Branford, one found dead (L. C. S., in coll. of L. B. B.). Seiurus motacilla (Vieillot). Louisiana Water-Thrush. A tolerably common summer resident from April until July, breeding throughout the state but most abundant near Saybrook. Earliest record. New Haven, April 10, 1896; Portland, April 13, 1892. Latest record. New Plaven, Aug. i, 1904. Unusual record. Feb. 15, 1882, Deep River, one shot (H. W. F.).i This species is rare in Litchfield County, but we have the fol- lowing records: July 31, Aug. i, 5, 9, 1893, Litchfield (E. S. W.) ; June 13, 1900, Warren, adults with young seen (L. B. B.) ; June 20, 1904, SaHsbury, an adult (J. H. S. and L. B. B.) ; June 14, 1905, June 28, 1906, Mt. Xom, Litchfield County (E. S. W.). Nest. In an upturned root, a mossy bank, or under the edge of the cut bank of a stream, usually within i to 5 feet of the water. Eggs. 4-6; the middle of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 6, 1902, three eggs (J. C. A. M.) ; May 9, 1900, six eggs (J. H. H.). Latest record. June 10, 1894, four eggs (L. B. B.). Heard singing as late as July 22 (1904) by L. B, B. Oporcrnis formosus (Wilson). Kentucky Warbler. Very rare summer visitant along the southwestern coast. Connecticut records. May 30, 1888, West Stratford, a male shot (W. H. Lucas) f July 10, 1892, Greenwich, a female seen 1 O. and O., rii, 19, p. 147. ' O. and O., xiv, 4, p. dz. l62 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. feeding a well-fledged nestling in the swampy woods ; later, the same day, the male secured (C. G. Voorhees).^ Oporornis agilis (Wilson). Connecticut Warbler. A tolerably common fall migrant in late September and early October; shy, and frequenting damp young woods with dense undergrowth ; unknown in the spring. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 12, 1904; Portland, Sept. 7, 1899; Litchfield, Sept. i, 1893 (E. S. W.) ; East Hartford, Sept. I, 1887 (W. E. T.). Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 8, 1909, Oct. 13, 1906 (E. S. W.) ; Portland, Oct. 12, 1909; Litchfield, Oct. 11, 1900 (E. S. W.) ; Easton, Oct. 3, 1908 (H. W. B.). This warbler is reported by E. S. W. as tolerably common in the fall at Litchfield. L. B. B. has a dozen or so records from New Haven, and J. H. S. an equal number from Portland. At other places it seems to be rather rare. Porter reporting it from Stamford only once (Sept. 28, 1893), Perry and Beers at Bridge- port once (Sept. 15, 1904), and Hoyt from Washington once (Oct. 10, 1904). Adult males seem to be very rare, one being taken Sept. 2"], 1886, by H. W. F., another Sept., 1893, by A. H. V. (in coll. of Porter), and one seen Oct. 5, 1901, by L. B. B. Taken at Port- land, Sept. 23, 25, Oct. 5, 1893, by W. E. T. (in coll. of J. H. S.). Oporornis Philadelphia (Wilson). Mourning Warbler. A rare late spring and fall migrant. Connecticut records. Merriam* records the following: May, 1875, Milford, male and female killed (Grinnell) ; May 15, 17, 1876, New Haven (Osborn) ; May 24, 1876, New Haven, male (Bragg) ; May 25, 1876, New Haven, two males (Dayan) ; May 27, 1876, New Haven, several seen (Merriam) ; May 25, 1877, Savin Rock, New Haven, male (Merriam). Other records are: May 30, 1877, Saybrook (J. H. S.) ; May 30, 1879, Whitneyville, female (Woolsey, in Peabody Museum) ; May 23, 1882, Deep River, male (H. W. F., in Brewster collection) ; May 8, 1885, Litchfield, two seen (L. B. W.) ; Sept. 24, 1891, Litchfield, a female, the only fall record (E. S. W.) ; May 17, 18, 1892, New ^Auk, X, I, p. 86. •Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 23. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 163 Haven, two males (H. W. F.) ; May 26, 1892, East Hartford, male taken (W. E. T.) ; May 26, 1893, Whitney ville, male seen (L. B. B.) ; May 26, 27, 1893, Portland, male taken (J. H, S.) ; May 31, 1898, Hamden, male taken (A, H. V., in coll. of L. B. B.) ; May 21, 1900, Kent (H. K. J.) ; June 17, 1907, Portland, adult male seen (J. H. S.). Geothlypis trichas trichas (Linnaeus). Maryland Yellow- throat. A common summer resident, from May until October. Earliest record. New Haven, May 2, 1899, 1908, May i, 1902, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, April 29, 1908. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 3, 1883 ; Portland, Nov. 7, 1884. Nest. On the ground under a plant, or a few inches from the ground in a tussock of grass or a skunk cabbage in a wooded swamp, or in a bush in a thicket. Eggs. 4-5 ; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 22, 1888, five eggs (C. L. R.).^ Latest record. June 29, 1905, four eggs (E. S. W.). This species has been heard singing as late as Aug. i (1904), by L. B. B. A young male with bill twisted like that of a Crossbill taken in East Haven, Oct. 4, 1905 (L. B. B.). Icteria virens virens (Linnaeus). Yellow -breasted Chat. A common summer resident from May until July, breeding in brush lots throughout the state, but most abundantly in the southern portion. Earliest record. New Haven, May 2, 1899, 1908; Portland, May 6, 1896. Latest record. New Haven, Aug. 17, 1894, Sept. 21, 1904 ( ?). Unusual records. Oct. 3, 1896, New Haven, one just shot seen in a gun store (L. B. B.) ; Dec. 24, 1911, Jan. i, 1912, South Norwalk (W. F. Smith). " Nest. In a thick bush in brush lot, i>^ to 7 feet from the ground. Eggs. 2-5, usually 4; the last of May. 1 O. and O., ii, i, p. i. * Bird-Lore, xiv, 2, p. 114. 164 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 22, 1896, four eggs (L. B. B.). Latest record. July 7, 1888, four eggs (Eames). Unusual sets. New Haven, June 9, 1899, set of two exceed- ingly small eggs (H. W. F.) ; Hamden, May 27, 1896, five eggs and two Cowbirds' eggs (L. B. B.). Wilsonia citrina (Boddaert). Hooded Warbler. A tolerably common summer resident of the southern part of the state from May to July; very rare inland. Earliest record. New Haven, May 8, 1894; East Haven, May 4, 1886 (L. C. S.) ; Saybrook, May 2 (J. N. C.).^ Latest record. New Haven, July 22, 1904, Westville, Sept. 20, 1897 (A. H. v., in coll. of L. B. B.). Inland records. Suffield (E. L Shores) ;^ Beacon Falls and Newtown (Eames) ; Winchester, 1900, nest with four eggs (Williams).^ Nest. Usually in the fork of a small Kalmia growing in the woods, 1-2 feet from the ground ; composed of dry leaves, grape- vine bark, woolly and cottony material, and lined with fine new grass, grape-vine bark, root fibers, or horse-hair. Eggs. 2-5, usually 4; the beginning of June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 25, 1880, four eggs (J. N. C.).' Latest record. June 24, 1893, four eggs (H. W. F.). Breeding localities. This species has been found breeding in Stamford (Porter), Bridgeport (Beers and J. C. A. M.), up the Housatonic as far as Beacon Falls and Newtown (Eames), near New Haven (H. W. F., A. H. V., L. B. B.), Saybrook (abundant, J. N. C), Deep River (H. W. F., Watrous), New London (Hill). This species frequents the dense Kalmia thickets of wooded hillsides. On account of its shy habits it is not as frequently seen as heard. The Hooded Warbler has been heard singing as late as July 22 (1904) by L. B. B. Wilsonia pusilla pusilla (Wilson). Wilson's Warbler. A spring and fall migrant in May and September; usually rather rare, and most often seen in the spring. * O. and O., vi, 2, p. 9. ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 25. 'Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 309. No, 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 165 Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May ii, 1893, 1900; Portland, May 8, 1S94, 1905. Latest record. New- Haven, May 22, 1893, 1907, June 3, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, June I, 1907. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 27, 1907. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 22, 1904; Portland, Sept. 27, 1893- _ This bird frequents chiefly thick shrubbery in its passage through the state. Wilsonia canadensis (Linnaeus). Canada Warbler. A common late spring migrant in May, and much rarer late summer migrant in August; undoubtedly breeds more or less regidarly in the northwestern part of the state, although few nests have been taken. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 8, 1894; Portland, May i, 1905. Latest record. New Haven, June I, 1898, 1907, June 3, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, June 10, 1907; Milford, June 3, 1900 (J. C. A. M.). Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 12, 1904. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. i, 1903; Portland, Sept. I, 1892; Litchfield, Sept. 9, 1892 (E. S. W.) ; East Hartford, Sept. 16, 1885 (W. E. T.). Summer records. June 15, 1885, June 9, 1891, Aug. 2, 1893, June 13, 14, 1905, Litchfield (L. B. W. and E. S. W.) ; June 15, 1894, near New Haven, a male with a female and young seen (A. H. v., the male taken by L. B. B.) ; July 3, 1896, Norfolk, young taken by W. E. T. (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; June 8, 1900, Kent (L. B. B.) ; June 11, 1900, Warren (L. B. B.) ; June 12, 1900, Romford (L. B, B.) ; June 18, 20, 1904, Salisbury (J. H. S. and L. B. B.) ; early July, 1906, Salisbury (H. K. J.). Nest record. May 30, 1889, Northford, nest containing five eggs in a raspberry bush in a pasture, male identified while on the nest (A. M. Linsley).^ As all of the birds noted above in June kept closely to the locality in which they were first seen as long as they were ob- served, and as the males taken were certainly breeding birds, this species must be entered as a summer resident in this state. Dur- ^ Oologist, vi, 12, p. 233. l66 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. ing this time this warbler frequents secluded ravines or wooded hillsides, with thick undergrowth of Kalmia, and carpeted with dry leaves. Setophaga ruticilla (Linnaeus). Redstart. A common summer resident from May until September, breed- ing in somewhat larger numbers in the northern part of the state. Earliest record. New Haven, April 30, 1908; Portland, April 30, 1903- Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 29, 1897, Oct. 5, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Sept. 26, 1890. Nest. Usually in a fork of the trunk of a small deciduous tree, from 10 to 20 feet from the ground. Building, May 20 to June 15. Eggs. 3-5, usually 4; early in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 20, 1894, five eggs (H. W. P.). Latest record. June 27, 1883, three eggs (Eames). Young males with the plumage somewhat brighter than the Juvenal, with scattered black feathers on the throat, are common in the spring, and also occasionally noted in the fall (Sept. 17, 1900, Sept. 10, 1904, L. B. B.). L. B. B. is inclined to believe that this is the normal plumage of the male in the second year, and that it is assumed the first fall. The Redstart has been heard singing as late as Aug. 15 (1904) by L. B. B. Family MOTACILLID^. Wagtails. Anthus rubescens (Tunstall). Pipit. An abundant fall migrant in October and early November in the salt marshes ; much rarer in the spring and in the interior of the state. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 2, 1898; Portland, April 8, 1909; Stamford, March 26, 1894 (Por- ter). Latest record. New Haven, April 24, 1889, May 16, 1888 (L. B. W.) ; Portland, May 8, 1905; Bridgeport, May 4, 1892 (Eames). Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 25, 1903 ; Portland, Sept. 27, 1892. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 9, 1903, Nov. 23, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Nov. 5, 1890. Winter records. Samuels recorded that this species " re- No, 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 167 mained throughout mild winters in southern New England." ^ Dec. I, 1883, Dec. 31, 1885, Dec. 12, 1889, Guilford (L. B. B.). Family MIMID^. Thrashers, Mockingbirds, etc. Mimus polyglottos polyglottos (Linnaeus). Mockingbird. Very rare visitant. Connecticut records. Linsley recorded it from Stratford and New Haven^; Milford (G. B. Grinnell)2; Suffield (Lester) 2; Saybrook (J. N. C.)^; May 30, 1877, near New Haven (Osborne)^; Dec. 18, 1882, New Haven (formerly in coll. of L. C. S., seen in flesh by L. B. B.) ; June 20, 1884, Jewett City, nest with five eggs, June 28, second clutch of three eggs, female shot and identified (Prior)*; July 21, 1894, West Haven, one reported seen, in the New Haven Journal and Courier; Nov. 2, 1904, New Haven, one flew into greenhouse (J. Y. Stetson, seen by L. B. B.) ; June 9, 1907, Middletown, one seen (Cady) ; Nov. 30, 1910 — Feb. 9, 191 1, West Hartford, one seen and identified by Mrs. L. A. Cressy; another seen the same winter (St. John)*; Feb. 8 — April 4, 1911, Portland, one seen by C. H. N. The late Frank L. Burr, of the Hartford Times, once told me that about the time of the Civil War a pair of Mockingbirds nested in the meadow north of Avon St., Hartford. There was no question as to the identity of the birds, but the eggs were destroyed. A year or two later a pair had a nest quite near a house on Wethersfield Ave. in the same city, and in the vicinity of Armsmear, the residence of the late Mrs. Samuel Colt. This nest also had eggs which were destroyed. Gurdon Trumbull, the artist and ornithologist of Hartford, now dead, informed me that he remembered distinctly two or three pairs of these birds nesting, about i860, in what was then known as Gillette's Grove, Hartford. He saw the birds and heard them sing. The eggs were taken by Mr. Trumbull and a boy friend, now a well-known actor and playwright. (J. H. S.) Dumetella carolinensis (Linnaeus). Catbird. An abundant summer resident from May until September; winters accidentally. 1 Samuels, Birds of New England, p. aoo. 'Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 7. 8 0. and O., ix, 8, pp. 94-95. *Bird-Lore, xiii, 2, p. 97. l68 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Earliest record. New Haven, April 30, 1908, April 29, 1882 (L. C. S.) ; Portland, April 27, 1908. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 2, 1904, Nov. 4, 1874, 1875 (Merriam) ;^ Portland, Oct. 12, 1909. Winter records. Jan. 24, 1900, Guilford, one taken (A. H, V. andL. B.B.) ; Jan. 4, 1904, Berlin, bird which had spent winter, being fed by people, died of starvation (seen by J. H. S.) ; Dec. 24, 191 1, South Norwalk (W. F. Smith).' Nest. In a thicket, such as in an elder bush or grape-vine, or low willow, or tangle of bushes, 3 to 12 feet from the ground. Eggs. 2-5, commonly 4; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 17, 1887, nest with five eggs (J. N. C.).^ Latest record. July 26, 1889, nest with three fresh eggs (W. L C.) ;* Aug. 4, 1882, two young (L. B. B.). Unusual nesting records. June 5, 1889, nest composed largely of paper (L. B. B.) ; May 20, 1893, nest with five eggs, built inside old Robin's nest (Beers) ; June 3, 1894, Branford, nest with six eggs (Nichols). Mr. John Nichols records having seen eggs of tliis species spotted with red. Toxostoma rufum (Linngeus). Brown Thrasher. A common summer resident from May until September; win- ters accidentally. Earliest record. New Haven, April 23, 1906, April 21, 1906 (A. A. S. and E. S. W.) ; Portland, March 28, 1879, April 20, 1910. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 24, 191 1 ; Portland, Oct. 20, 1890; Branford, Nov. 29, 1911 (John Nichols). Winter records. Shortly before Feb. 15, 1896, Bethel, col- lected by E. T. and H. C. Judd (in coll. of H. C. Judd) ; Jan. 17, Feb. II and 22, 1912, South Norwalk (W. F. Smith). ^ Nest. Commonly on the ground at the foot of a stump, in a heap of brush, in bushes up to 4 feet from the ground, or very I Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 8. 'Bird-Lore, xiv, 2, p. 114. ' O. and O., xii, 10, p. 174. * O'dlogist, vi, 12, p. 231. ^Bird-Lore, xiv, 2, p. 114. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 169 rarely higher in a tree, 12 feet from the ground, May 30, 1896 (Camp and L. B. B.). Eggs. 3-5 ; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 12, 1894, five eggs (L. B. B.). Latest record. July 8, 1882, three eggs (L. B. B.). The Brown Thrasher has been heard singing as late as Sept. 16 (1904) by L. B. B. A female with the bill unusually long and slender and the maxilia extending .19 inch beyond the mandible, taken at New Haven, May 2, 1892 (C. F. Hedges, in coll. of L. B. B.). Family TROGLODYTID^. Wrens. Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus (Latham). Caro- lina Wren. A rare resident of the soutliern border, having apparently appeared, and certainly greatly increased, during the last few years. Connecticut records. Merriam^ gave no records, but said, " it doubtless occurs as a rare summer resident from the South in the Connecticut Valley and along our southern border ". Nov. 15, 1878, Saybrook, one taken (J. N. C.)^; March 2, 1883, Portland, male shot (C. H. N.)^; 1884, Portland, one reported seen by Chas. Lincoln ; March 18, 1886, East Hartford, male taken (W. E. T.)''; fall, 1891, Stamford, two taken (reported by Hoyt) ; April 8, 1892, Bridgeport, male taken (Eames)^; Oct. 23, 1894, Stamford, one taken (Hoyt, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Nov. 30, 1894, Stamford, male (Schaler) ; April 20, 1895, two seen, June 13, 1895, same two and two young seen, near Bridge- port (Fames and Taylor)^; Dec. 17, 1897, Lyme, one seen (Brockway)^; April 7, 1900, Norwalk, pair seen (Smith)^; July 15, 1901, Chester, nest with five eggs (Watrous)®; winter, 1901-2, Norwalk, pair wintered (Smith)®, May 2, 1902, Norwalk, 1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. ii. •'Bull. Nuttall Ornith. Club, iv, i, p. 6i. ^ Bull. Nuttall Ornith. Club, viii, 2, p. 120. *Auk, iii, 4, p. 489. ^.Auk, X, I, p. 89. 'Auk, xiii, I, p. 84. ' Auk, XV, 2, p. 192. ' Auk, xix, I, p. 91. 'Bird-Lore, v, 5, pp. 163-4 I/O CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. nest ( Smith) ^, Sept. ii, 1902, New Haven, young male taken (L. B. B.) ; Oct. 31, 1902, Guilford, young female taken, another seen, and still another Nov. 4, 1903 (L. B. B.) ; 1903, Norwalk, tow pairs nested ( Smith) ^; Nov. 4, 1903, Leete's Island, one seen (L. B. B.). After 1903 records of this species in Connecticut ceased, and it is probable that nearly all of those Wrens perished in the cold winters of 1903-4 and 1904-5. In the winter of 1908-9 the Carolina Wren again appeared in numbers: New Haven, Dec. 25, 1908 — March 6, 1909, two seen on a dozen dates (A. W. H., C. H. P., D. B. P.), May 26, 1909, one (L. B. B.) ; Bethel, March 17, 1909, one (R. C. Judd) ; Bridgeport, May 9, June i, 1909 (H. W. B.) ; Portland, Feb. 22, 23, June 11, 12, 18, 1909 (J. H. S.) ; Hartford, May 16, 1909, one seen (Smith, Powers, and Gabriel). Since then we have no records until Nov. 16-23, 191 1, when a male was seen and heard singing at East Hartford by W. E. T. The bird remained and was in full song Aug. 20, 19 12. Westbrook, Aug. 4, 1912, nest with two young (Mrs. L, W. Gregg). Probably this Wren still occurs near Stamford, where it was apparently firmly established as early as 1895. Troglodytes aedon aedon Vieillot. House Wren. A tolerably common summer resident of orchards from May to September; not abundant anywhere, and apparently decreas- ing in numbers. Earliest record. New Haven, April 26, 1909, April 24, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, April 19, 1896. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 14, 1907, Oct. 16, 1906 (E. S. W.) ; Portland, Sept. 26, 1893; East Hartford, Oct. 16, 1887 (W. E. T.). Nest. In a hollow in a tree, commonly an apple, in a post or a building, occasionally im the deserted nest of a Baltimore Oriole.* Height from ground, 6 to 18 feet. Eggs 3-8, the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 23, 1884, three eggs (L. B. B.). Latest record. Aug. 12, 1900, five eggs (W. R. Nichols). A set of eight eggs was collected in Westville, New Haven, May 30, 1894 (H. W. P.). ^Bird-Lore, v, s, pp. 163-4. ^Bird-Lore, i, 5, p. 166. Oologist, xir, 6, p. 58. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I7I The spread of the EngHsh Sparrows into the farming districts has probably had much to do with the decrease of this species, as they preempt all the suitable breeding hollows before the House Wrens arrive. In New Haven, where this Wren formerly bred commonly, even in the center of the city, its song is now seldom heard. The House Wren has been heard singing as late as Sept. i6 (1904) by L. B. B. Nannus hiemalis hiemalis (Vieillot). Winter Wren. A tolerably common fall migrant in October, a much rarer winter resident and spring migrant; very rarely breeds in this state. Fall migration. EarHest record. New Haven, Sept. 18, 1903 ; Portland, Sept. 23, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Nov, 4, 1903; Portland, Nov. 27, 1889. Winter records. Dec. i, 1879, New Haven (Goodrich, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Jan. 14, 1901, Jan. 15, 1902, March 7, 1903, Jan. 9, 1905, Guilford (L. B. B.) ; Feb. i, 1877, Feb. 4, 1885, March 12, 1889, Feb. 22, 1890, Feb. 23, 1891, Feb. 22, 1899, Dec. 9, 1901, Dec. 21, 1908, Portland (J. H. S.). Spring records. New Haven, May 15, 1889 (L. B. W.), April 10, 1889, May 3, 1904 (L. B. B.), March 29, April 26, 1907 (A. A. S. and C. H. P.) ; Bridgeport, May 3, 1892 (Fames). Summer record. Sage's Ravine, Salisbury, July 5, 6, 1906, two pairs found (H. K. J.).^ One noticed singing as late as Nov. 4 (1903) by L. B. B. Cistothorus stellaris (Naumann). Short-billed Marsh Wren. A rare summer resident from June to September; tolerably common in parts of Litchfield County. Earliest record. New Haven, May 22, 1890 (L. B. W.) ; Portland, May 15, 1888. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 13, 1906 (H. H. Townsend) ; Portland, Oct. 14, 1892. Distribution. Litchfield, reported fairly common by E. S. W., and eggs found June 8, 1891, and June 27, 1907, and two birds •Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 310. 172 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. taken by A. H. V., Sept. 15, 1894; Warren, June 9, 12, 1900, taken by L. B. B. ; Bethel, reported regularly by G. L. Hamlin, eggs taken July 10, 1890, by H. C. Judd; Danbury, one pair reported regularly by G. L. Hamlin; New Haven, May 22, 1890 (L. B. W.), July 19, 1893 (Hedges and H. W. F.), Sept. 25, 1895 (H. W. F.), Oct. 13, 1906 (Townsend) ; Portland, fairly regular during the last week of September and first of October from 1890 to 1899 (Sept. 9, 1893, Oct. 14, 1892), also ]\Iay 15. 1888, May 2^, 1904, and May 16, 1910. Nest. In grass of a shallow fresh-water marsh, from i to 2 feet from the ground. Eggs. 5-8; the middle of June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. June 8, 1891, seven eggs (L. B. W. and E. S. W.). Latest record. July 10, 1890, eggs (H. C. Judd). Telmatodytes palustris palustris (Wilson). Long-billed Marsh Wren. An abundant summer resident of the salt and brackish marshes from May to September. Earliest record. New Haven, May 5, 1896; Portland, May 5, 1906, 1908. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 8, 1904; Portland, Oct. 26, 1887. Winter records. Nov. 26, 1905, Feb. 24, 1906, March 6, 1906, Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven (E. S. W.). Nest. In grass of a marsh, cat-tails, sweet flag, or small bushes, from i to 6 feet from the ground, usually i to 3 feet. Eggs. 2-6; the middle of June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. June i, 1905, five eggs (J. H. S.). Latest record. Aug. 24, 1903, two young (L. B. B.). Unusual eggs. Set of four white eggs, June 24, 1893, Quin- nipiac Marshes, North Haven (L. B. B.) ; set of five, same spot, less than 10 yards away, July 11, 1893 ; four more, in a nest about 8 feet from the first, July 28, 1893 ; Portland, June 8, 1905, set of six (J. H. S.). This species has been heard singing as late as Sept. 18 (1895) and Sept. 26 (1904) by L. B. B. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 173 Family CERTHIID^. Creepers. Certhia familiaris americana Bonaparte. Brown Creeper. A tolerably common winter resident from October to April; most common in October, but wintering regularly in small numbers. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 22, 1903, 1904; Portland, Oct. 2, 1893; Litchfield, Sept. 19, 1906 (E. S. W.). Latest record. New Haven, May 7, 1888; Portland, April 27, 1907; Danbury, April 28, 1907 (J. C. A. M.) ; East Hartford, May 7, 1892 (W. E. T.). Family SITTID^. Nuthatches. Sitta carolinensis carolinensis Latham. White-breasted Nuthatch. A tolerably common resident, but less common than formerly in southern Connecticut. Nest. In a hole, at least partially excavated by the birds them- selves, in the trunk of a large tree in the woods at from 25 to 30 feet from the ground. Eggs. 5-9; early in May, Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 21, 1890, five eggs (J. H. S.). Latest record. May 30, 1877, six eggs (J. H. S.). A set of eight eggs taken. May 13, 1902 (Hill) ; a set of nine eggs taken in Jewett City, May 19, 1884 (C. E. Prior) .^ Sitta canadensis Linnaeus. Red-breasted Nuthatch. A common fall and rare spring migrant, and an irregular winter resident; most abundant in October. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 24, 1902; Portland, March 14, 1893, 1900. Latest record. New Haven, April i, 1896, April 27, 1888 (L. B. W.) ; Portland, May 10, 1893. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 27, 1903 ; Portland, Sept. 4, 1908. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 4, 1903, Nov. 28, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, Oct. 18, 1888. Winter records. New Haven, Feb. 22, 1894, Feb. 10, Dec. 10, 1896, Jan. 24, Feb. 6, 16, 21, 1900, Jan. 15, Dec. 30, 1902, 10. and O., ix, 8, p. loo. 174 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. (L. B. B.), Jan. 25, 1907 (E. S. W.) ; Portland, Dec. 9, 30, 1895, Jan. 23 — Feb. 22, 1896, Dec. 6-18, 1899, Feb. 12, 1900, Jan. 15, 1902 (J. H. S.). Breeding records. June i, 1876, Winchester, nest with eggs found, the female being shot (in coll. of Williams) ;^ June o.'j, 1896, Norfolk, male, female, and young taken by W. E. T, (in coll. of J. H. S.) Family PARIDyE. Titmice. Baeolophus bicolor (Linnaeus). Tufted Titmouse. A very rare visitor from the south. The only Connecticut records are those noted by Merriam:* Linsley recorded it at New Haven; Feb. T.y, 1872, one shot, Jan., 1874, one seen, Lyme (J. G. Ely) ; taken near Hartford by Dr. D. Crary. Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus (Linnaeus). Chickadee. A common resident; keeping in family flocks except in the breeding seasons, and venturing into the cities in the fall and winter. Nest. In a hole excavated by the birds in a dead stump or limb at from 10 inches to 20 feet from the ground. The entrance is often from the top of the stump, and the nest cavity sometimes extends below the ground level. Eggs. 3-10; the middle of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 11, 1891, seven eggs (J. N. C). Latest record. July 2, 1893, four eggs (A. H. V. and L. B. B.). Unusual sets. Set of eight and another of nine reported at Wallingford in 1884 (J. R. M.) ;' set of eight taken at Ivoryton, May 28, 1895 (G. D. French, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; set of ten found May 30, 1904, and set of eight found May 18, 1907, at Portland (J. H. S.). Penthestes hudsonicus hudsonicus (J. R. Forster). Hud- sonian Chickadee. The only Connecticut record for this species is reported in the Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornith. Club for July, 1876, and is quoted »Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 311. * Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. f . ■ YcuHg Oologist, i, 5, p. 70. No, 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I75 by Merriam:^ "On Nov. 13, 1875, Mr. Robert Morris, while shooting in a wooded ravine a few miles from town (New Haven), killed a female Hudsonian Titmouse (Parus Hudson- icus). The specimen is now in the collection of Mr. Thomas Osborne of this city." Family SYLVIID^. Warblers, Kinglets, Gnatcatchers. Subfamily Regulin^. Kinglets. Regulus satrapa satrapa Lichtenstein. Golden-crowned Kinglet. An abundant fall and common spring migrant, and tolerably common winter resident; the majority passing through the state in October and November and again in March and April. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March i, 1898; Portland, March 2, 1898. Latest record. New Haven, April 28, 1906, May 11, 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, April 25, 1888. Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 24, 1903 ; Portland, Oct. 8, 1890; Litchfield, Sept. 21, 1896 (L. B. W.). Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 22, 1904; Portland, Nov. 28, 1881. Winter records. It has been observed in small numbers near New Haven during most winters by L. B, B., and in Portland during the winters of 1874-5, 1877-8, 1889-90, 1892-3, 1899-1900, 1902-3, 1910-11, by J. H. S. Regulus calendula calendula (Linnaeus). Ruby-crowned Kinglet. A common fall and tolerably common spring migrant in October and April; mingling with the Golden-crowned Kinglet. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 7, 1888 ; Portland, April 8, 1889. Latest record. New Haven, April 27, 1907, May 14, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May 6, 1891 ; Litch- field, May 10, 1905 (E. S. W.). Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 22, 1904; Portland, Sept. 26, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 28, 1904, Nov. 4, 1907 (A. A. S.), Nov. 24 (Merriam) ;* Portland, ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. lo. ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 8. 176 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Oct. 26, 1892; Guilford, Nov. 22, 1894, one with slightly in- jured leg taken (L. B. B.). A young male with the crown patch orange-buff and the entire plumage more gray even than adults in spring was collected in New Haven, Oct. 28, 1904, by L. B. B. Subfamily Polioptilin/E. Gnatcatchers, Polioptila caerulea caerulea (Linnaeus). Blue-gray Gnat- catcher. Very rare summer visitant. Connecticut records. Linsley recorded it from Stratford;^ 1874 (male), 1876 (female), Wauregan, shot by C. M. Carpen- ter;^ May II, 1883, Portland, male shot (in possession of J. W. Lord) f Sept. i, 1885, New Haven, young male taken (L. C. S.) f May 7, 1886, East Hartford, female killed (W. E. T.) f April 6, 1892, Stratford, one heard (Eames).^ Family TURDID^. Thrushes, Solitaires, Stonechats, Blue- birds, etc. Subfamily Turdin^. Thrushes. Hylocichla mustelina (Gmelin). Wood Thrush. A common summer resident throughout the state from May till September; abundant along the southern border. Earliest record. New Haven, April 26, 1900; Portland, April 28, 1902. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 3, 1895, 1903, Oct. 4, 1906 (E. S. W.) ; Portland, Sept. 18, 1893. Nest. In a sapling or tree in the deep woods, 2-25 feet from the ground. Building, May 10-25. Eggs, 3-5 ; the last of May or first week in June. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 16, 1900, four eggs (Hill). Latest record. July 22, 1904, three eggs (L. B. B.). Spotted eggs have occasionally been taken by J. H. S.,* W. W. C.,« J. N. C.,« and W. R. Nichols. ^ Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 8. ^Bull. Nuttall Ornith. Club, viii, 3, p. 179. ' O. and O., xii, 9, p. 156. *Auk, iii, 4, p. 487. , ^Auk, X, I, p. 89. ' Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 6. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 1 77 A young albino without a single dark feather was taken in Trumbull, July 10, 1889 (in Averill coll. of the Bpt. Sci. Soc). Hylocichla fuscescens fuscescens (Stephens). Wilson's Thrush. Veery. A common summer resident of damp woodland throughout the state from May until July. Earliest record. New Haven, May i, 1896, April 30, 1888 (L. B. W.), 1906 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, April 27, 1907. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 22, 1903 ; Portland, Aug. 30, 1894. Nest. On the ground underneath a bush or among dead leaves in the woods, in a tussock of grass in a swamp, very rarely as much as a foot above the ground in a bush. Building, May 15-30- Eggs. 4-5 ; the last of May. Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 20, 1900, three eggs (J. C. A. M.). Latest record. June 13, 1905, Litchfield (E. S. W.). Spotted eggs were found in Litchfield, May 30, 1903 (L. B. W. and E. S. W.). Hylocichla fuscescens salicicola Ridgway. Willow Thrush. A visitor from the West during migrations. Connecticut records. May 5, 1894, Woodbridge; Sept. 23, 1895, New Haven; May 16, 1900, May 14, 1904, East Haven; each time an adult male taken by L. B. B. Hylocichla aliciae alicias (Baird). Gray-cheeked Thrush. A common spring and fall migrant in May and September. Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 9, 1900; Portland, May 11, 1893; Litchfield, May 7, 1905 (E. S. W.). Latest record. New Haven, May 27, 1896, May 29, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May 27, 1885; Seymour, May 29, 1888 (Eames) ; Bridgeport, May 29, 1889 (Eames). Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 5, 1906; Portland, Sept. 14, 1895. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 11, 1906; Portland, Sept. 26, 1893; East Hartford, Oct. 5, 1887 P- 303- 1885. Another Black Robin. — Auk, ii, 3, p. 303. 1889. The English Sparrow in North America. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Division of Economic Ornith. and Mamm., Bull. i. 204 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. 1889. The Food of Crows. — Ann. Report Dept. Agri- culture for 1888, pp. 498-535. Barrows, Walter B., and Schwarz, E. A. 1895. The Common Crow of the United States — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Division of Economic Omith. and Mamm.. Bull. 6. Batchelder, Charles F. 1890. An Early Yellow Rail. — Aiik, vii, 4, p. 389. Beers, Henry W. 1891. Hawks' Nests. — O. and 0., xvi, 2, p. 26. 1892. Nesting of the Great Horned Owl. — O. and 0., xvii, 4, p. 57. 1892. A Day in the Woods. — O. and O., xvii, 5, pp. 68-69. 1911. Set of Three Eggs of the Great Horned Owl. — Oologist, xxviii, 4, p. 79. Bendire, Major Charles. 1892. Life Histories of North American Birds, with special reference to their Breeding Habits and Eggs. Part I. Gallinaceous Birds, Pigeons or Doves, Birds of Prey. — U. S. Nat. Mus. Special Bull. No. i. 1895. Same. Part II. Psittaceous Birds, Picarian Birds, Picine Birds, Macrochirine Birds, Passerine Birds.— U. S. Nat. Mus. Special Bull. No. 3. Betts, A. E. 1892. Late Nesting of Barn Swallows, Sept. 3d. — O. and O., xvii, II, p. 172. Betts, Norman de W. 1910. Pied-Billed Grebe Nesting in Connecticut. — Bird- Lore, xii, 5, p. 199. Bishop, Louis B., M. D. 1885. Ipswich Sparrow in Connecticut. — 0. and O., x, 2, p. 30. 1889. Helminthophila pinus, H. chrysoptera, H. leiico- hronchialis, and H. lazvrencei in Connecticut in the Spring of 1888. — Auk, vi, 2, p. 192. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 205 1893. The Breeding of Brewster's Warbler. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., vi. p. 10. 1894. Olor columhianus in Connecticut. — Auk, xi, i, p. 74. 1894. Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis in Connecticut. — Auk, xi, I, p. 74. 1894. Helminthophila leucobronchialis — female with two young. — Auk, xi, i, p. 79. 1894. Remarks on the Nest of Cistothorus palustris. — Auk, xi, I, p. 80. 1895. Aythya marila or A. m. nearctica? — Auk, xii, 3, P- 293- 1895. An apparently Undescribed Plumage of Oidemia perspicillata. — Auk, xxi, 3, p. 295. 1895. Lanius ludovicianus migrans and Tryngitcs subruficollis in Connecticut. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., viii, p. 4. 1899. Loggerhead Shrike at New Haven. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., xi, p. 5. 1899. Series of Brewster's Warblers taken near New Haven. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., xi, p. 7. 1900. Catbird taken at Guilford, Jan. 24, 1900. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., xii, p. 7. 1901. Rachitis in Young Red-shouldered Hawks. — Auk, xviii, 2, p. 192. 1901. The European Starling in Connecticut. Auk, xviii, 2, p. 194. 1901. Acanthis linaria rostrata and Xanthocephalus xanthoccpJialiis in Connecticut. — Auk, xviii, 2, P- 195- , 1901. Deformity of Maxilla in the House Sparrow. — Auk, xviii, 2, p. 195. 1901. The Winter Birds of Pea Island, North Carolina. — Auk, xviii, 3, pp. 260-268. 1 901. A new Sharp-tailed Finch from North Carolina. — Auk, xviii, 3, pp. 269-270. 1902. Migration at New Haven. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., xiii, pp. 4-5. 206 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull, 1902. Starling taken at New Haven, Dec. 3, 1900. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., xiii, p. 6. 1902. Greater Redpoll etc. at New Haven. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y ., xiii, p. 6. 1902. Winter Records in Connecticut. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N . Y., xiv, p. 10. 1902. The Summer Birds of Warren, Conn. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., xiv, p. II. 1902. Barred Owl's and Red-shouldered Hawk's Eggs in the same Nest. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., xiv, p. 12. 1903. The Water-Fowl Family. 1904. Barred Owl and Red-shouldered Hawk laying in the same Nest for two Years. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., XV, p. 4. 1905. The Status of HehninthopJiila leucobronchialis and Hclminthophila lazurencei. — Ank. xxii, i, pp. 21-24. 1905. The Direction of Flight in the Fall Migration at New Haven, Conn. — Auk, xxii, 4, pp. 372-378. 1906. Notes from Connecticut. — Auk, xxiii, 3, p. 344. 1907. Short-eared Owl and Holboell's Grebe in Connecti- cut. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., xvii, p. 9. 1907. Direction of Flight in Fall Migration at New Haven, and Notes from Connecticut. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., xvii, p. 9. 1908. List of the Birds of the New Haven Region. — New Haven Bird Club, Bull. i. 1910. Two New Sub-species of North American Birds. — Auk, xxvii, I, pp. 59-63. 1910. Notes from Connecticut. — Auk, xxvii, 4, p. 462. Bonaparte, Charles Lucien J. L. — See Wilson, Alexander. Bonner, Mrs. Paul R. 1907. Notes on the Starling. — Bird-Lore, ix, 4, pp. 171- 172. 1907. Trapping English Sparrows. — Bird-Lore, ix, 5 pp. 211-213. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 20/ Brandegee, Robert B. 1893. The Birds of Berlin [Conn.]. — Berlin News, iii, 2, p. 2. 1893. The Hawks of BerHn [Conn.]. — Berlin A^ezvs, iii, 4. 1908. The Farmington Mountain Reservation. — Bird- Lore, X, 4, p. 191. Brewer, Thomas M., M.D, 1856. Raptores and Fissirostres. — Smithson. Contrib. to Knowledge. North American Oology, Part i. 1869. Seaside Ornithology. — Am. Nat., iii, 5, pp. 225-235. 1875. Catalogue of the Birds of New England. — Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., xvii, pp. 436-454. 1878. Notes on Certain Species of New England Birds, with additions to his Catalogue of the Birds of New England. — Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., xix, pp. 301-309. 1879. Some additional notes upon Birds observed in New England. — Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., xx, pp. 263-277. 1880. Blue-winged Yellow Warbler in New England. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, v, i, p. 48. See also Baird, Spencer F. Brewster, C. E. — .Sec Oldys, Henry ; Palmer, T. S. Brewster, William. 1877. Merriam's " Review of the Birds of Connecticut." — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, ii, 4, p. 107. 1884. Description of the female of Hclminthophaga leu- cobronchialis. — Auk, i, i, p. 91. 1895. Minot's " The Land Birds and Game Birds of New England." Second Edition. 1895. A Remarkable Flight of Pine Grosbeaks, — Auk, xii, 3, pp. 245-256. See also Minot, H. D. Brockway, Arthur W. 1898. The Turkey Vulture in Connecticut. — Auk, xv, i, P- 53- 1898. Carolina Wren at Lyme, Conn. — Auk, xv, 2, p. 192. 208 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [BuU. 1898. Carolina Wren at Lyme, Conn. — Auk, xv, 3, p. 274. 1899. The Little Blue Heron in Connecticut. — Auk, xvi, 4, P- 351- 1899. Odd Nesting of Maryland Yellow-throat. — Auk, xvi, 4, p. 360. 1909. Spring Migration at Hadlyme. — Hartford Times, June 7. 1910. A Carolina Wren in New London County, Conn. — Atik, xxvii, 2, p. 213. Brown, Nathan Clifford. 1882. An Addition to the Maine Fauna. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vii, i, p. 60. 1882. The King Rail in New England.— 5m//. Nutt. Orn. Club, vii, 2, p. 124. Browne, F. C. 1887. The New England Glossy Ibises of 1850. — Auk, iv, 2, pp. 97-100. Bruen, Frank. 1902. Some Bluebird Boxes and Troubles. — Wilson Bulletin, No. 41, xiv, 4, pp. 121-123. 1902. Winter Birds of Bristol, Conn., and Vicinity. — Wilson Bulletin, No. 41, xiv, 4, p. 132. 1903. The New Year's Day Bird Census at Bristol. — Wilson Bulletin, No. 42, xv, i, p. 27. 1904. The New Year's Day Bird Census at Bristol. — Wilson Bulletin, No. 46, xvi, i, p. 16. 1905. Transplanting a Robin. — Wilson Bulletin, No. 50, xvii, I, p. 25. 1905. Moving a Wren's Home. — Wilson Bulletin, No. 50, xvii, I, p. 26. 1907. Notes from Bristol, Conn. — Wilson Bulletin, No. 61, xix, 4, p. 162. Buck, Henry R. 1893. A Nest of Hen Hawks. — O. and O., xviii, 10, pp. 133-135- No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 209 1894. An Oologist of Early Day. — Oologist, xi, lo, p. 305- 1896. The Breeding of Warbling and Yellow-throated Vireos. — Wilson Bulletin, No. ii, pp. 4-5. 1897. Nest built by Ospreys near Hartford, Conn. — Osprey, i, 10, p. 130. 1897. An Osprey 's Nest at Hartford, Conn. — Osprey, i, 11-12, p. 149. 1898. An Elusive Pair of Screech Owls. — Wilson Bul- letin, No. 23, X, 6, pp. 76-yy. Burns, Frank L. 1895. The American Crow. — Wilson Bulletin, No. 5. 1900. A Monograph of the Flicker {Colaptes auratus). — Wilson Bulletin, No. 31, xii, 2, pp. 1-82. 191 1. A Monograph of the Broad-winged Hawk (Bufeo platypterus). — Wilson Bulletin, Nos. y6, yy, xxiii, 3, 4, pp. 1-320. Burr, F. L. 1896. The Baltimore Oriole. — The Observer, vii, 5, pp. 215-217. Burr, Freeman F. 1908. List of Birds of the New Haven Region. — New Haven Bird Club, Bull. 1. Buttrick, P. L. ,1907. The Starling at Stonington and New Haven, Conn, — Bird-Lore, ix, 5, p. 208. 1908. List of the Birds of the New Haven Region. — New Haven Bird Club, Bull. i. 1909. Observations on the Life History of the Bobolink. — Bird-Lore, xi, 3, p. 125. C, G. R. — See Case, George R. Cabot, Samuel, Jr., M.D. 1851. Ibis guarauna taken at Middletown, Conn. — Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., iii, p. 314. Canfield, J. B. 1895. The Red Phalarope at Bridgeport, Conn. — Auk, xii, I, p. yy. 14 2IO CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [BuU. 1897. A Nest within a Nest. — Oologist, xiv, 6, p. 58. 1902. Blue-winged Warbler. — Am. Ornith., ii, pp. 52-55. 1902. Louisiana Water-Thrush. — Am. Ornith., ii. pp. 225-227. Capen, Elwin A. 1886. Oology of New England. Carpenter, Frederic H. 1886. Regarding the Pileated Woodpecker in Coanecticut — O. and O., xi, 3, p. 48. Case, Rev. Bert Francis. 1905. Notes on Winter Feeding at Middle Haddam, Conn. — Bird-Lore, vii, 5, p. 242. 1906. An Experience in Tree-top Photography. — Bird- Lore, viii, I, pp. 1-6. Case, Clifford M. 1896. Solitary Vireo Nesting in Connecticut. — Auk, xiii, A, p. 343- 1905. Rough-winged Swallow at Hartford, Conn. — Oologist, xxii, 7, p. 108. 1905. Red-tailed Hawk. — Oologist, xxii, 7, p. 108. 1907. City Birds. — Oologist, xxiv, 4, p. 57. Case, George R. 1882. Blue Yellow-backed Warbler.— O. and 0., vii, 16, pp. 124-125. 1883. Field Glass. — 0. and O., viii, i, pp. 5-6. Cassin, John. — See Baird, Spencer F. Census, The Christmas Bird — Connecticut. 1901. Bird-Lore, iii, i, p. 30. 1902. Bird-Lore, iv, i, p. 26. 1903. Bird-Lore, v, i, pp. 15-16. 1904. Bird-Lore, vi, i, pp. 10- 11. 1905. Bird-Lore, vii, i, p. 25. 1906. Bird-Lore, viii, i, pp. 16-17. 1907. Bird-Lore, ix, i, pp. 21-23. 1908. Bird-Lore, x, i, pp. 26-27. 1909. Bird-Lore, xi, i, pp. 2022. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 211 1910. Bird-Lore, xii, i, pp. 23-24. 1911. Bird-Lore, xiii, i, pp. 23-25. 1912. Bird-Lore, xiv, i, pp. 23-24. Chadbourne, Arthur P., M. D. 1889. An Unusual Flight of Killdeer Plover along the New England Coast. — Auk, vi, 3, pp. 255-263. Chamberlain, Montague. 1 89 1. Nuttall's Ornithology of Eastern North America. Revised and Annotated. Chapman, Frank M. 1892. A Preliminary Study of the Crackles of the Sub- genus Quiscalus. Author's Edition. [From Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., iv, i, p. 20.] 1894. Visitors' Cuide to the Collection of Birds Found within Fifty Miles of New York City. 1895. Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America. 1898. Sage's "List of Portland, Conn., Birds." — Auk, XV, 3, p. 284. 1899. Sparrow-proof Houses. — Bird-Lore, i, 2, p. 60. 1900. The Season's Flight of Crossbills. — Bird-Lore, ii, I, p. 25. 1900. Additional Notes on the Season's Flight of Cross- bills. — Bird-Lore, ii, 2, p. 59. 1900. A study of the Genus Sturnella. — Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., xiii, 22, pp. 297-320. 1901. A Nighthawk Incident. — Bird-Lore, iii, 4, p. 126. 1903. Color Key to North American Birds. 1906. The Birds of the Vicinity of New York City. — Am. Mus. Jour., vi, 2, 3. Reprint, pp. 1-96. 1907. The Warblers of North America. 1909. Carolina Wren in Connecticut. — Bird-Lore, xi, i, P- 15- 1912. Handbook of Birds of Eastern North Americft. Revised Edition. Clark, John N. 188 1. Hooded Warblers Nesting in Southern Connecticut. — O. and O., vi, 2, pp. 9-10. 212 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. 1881, Little Blue Heron (Note). — O. and O., vi, 7, p. 51. 1 88 1. Red-headed Woodpecker in Southern Connecticut. — 0. and 0., vi, 9, p. 72. 1882. Hooded Warbler Nesting in Southern Connecticut. — O. and O., vii, 13, p. 102. 1882. Great Horned Owl's Nest and Eggs. — 0. and 0., vii, 16, pp. 125-126. 1882. Nesting Habits — Woodcock and Black Duck. — O. and O., vii, p. 144. 1882. Large-billed Water-Thrush. — 0. and O., vii, 19, pp. 145-147- 1882. Great White Egret in Connecticut. — O. and O., vii, 24, p. 189. 1882. Eggs of Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos in the same Nest. — O. and 0., vii, 24, p. 189. 1882. Red-Shouldered Hawk. — O. and O., vii, 24, p. 189, 1883. Clark on " Gull Island." — O. and O., viii, 3, p. 21. 1883. Blue- winged Yellow Warbler nesting in Con- necticut. — O. and O., viii, 5, pp. 37-38. 1883. Hairy Woodpecker. — O. and O., viii, 10, pp. 77-7^. 1883. Curious Nesting of a Blue Jay. — O. and O., viii, 10, p. 78. 1883. Blue Jays Tame. — O. and O., viii, 10, p. 78. 1883. Winter Birds. — O. and O., viii, 10, p. 80. 1884. Nesting of the Little Black Rail in Connecticut. — Atik, i, 4, p. 393. 1884. A Prolific Pair of Song Sparrows. — Random Notes on A'at. Hist., i, 10, p. 3. 1884. Notes on the Sharp-shinned Hawk, — Random Notes on Nat. Hist., i, 12, p. 10. 1884. The Screech Owl— 0. and O., ix, 5, p. 61. 1885. Helmintliophila leucobronchialis at Saybrook. — Random Notes on Nat. Hist., ii, 6, p. 43. 1885. Tennessee Wart)ler at Saybrook. — Random Notes on Nat. Hist., ii, 9, p. 67. 1885. Successful Rearing of some Young Dusky Ducks. — Random Notes on Nat. Hist., ii, 12, p. 93. 1886. Lnmaculate Eggs of Song Sparrows. — Random Notes on Nat. Hist., iii, i, p. 8. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 213 1886. Constancy of a Male Oriole. — Random Azotes on Nat. Hist., iii, 12, p. 98. 1887. Nesting of the Black-throated Green Warbler. — O. and O., xii, 2, pp. 22-23. 1887. A Favorite Nest [Nest occupied in successive stories by two species of owls and two of hawks]. — 0. and O., xii, 8, p. 135. 1887. The Number of Eggs in a Set of certain Species. — O. and O., xii, 10, p. 173. 1888. The Corn Crake in Connecticut. — O. and O., xiii, 3, pp. 45-46 1888. Nest Building. — O. and O., xiii, 9, p. 141. 1889. A Swallow-tailed Kite at Saybrook, Conn. — O. and O., xiv, 8, p. 123. 1889. The Effect of a Storm on Birds. — 0. and O., xiv, z, pp- 35-36. 1889. The White-throated Warbler at Saybrook, Conn. — O. and 0., xiv, 8, p. 119. 1890. Nesting of the Yellow-throated Vireo. — O. and O., XV, 5, pp. 69-70. 1890. Albino Sparrow, etc., at Saybrook. — O. and 0., xv, 12, p. 188. 1891. A Crazy Bluebird. — O. and O., xvi, 2, p. 24. 1892. Nesting of the Sharp-shinned Hawk. — O. and 0., xvii, 2, pp. 27-28. 1892. True Politeness [Habits of the Cedar Bird]. — The Observer, iii, 10, pp. 305-307. 1893. The First Spring Outing. — O. and 0., xviii, i, pp. 1-2. 1893. Queer Occupant of a Goldfinch's Nest. — O. and O., xviii, 4, pp. 51-52. 1895. Summer Redbird at Saybrook, Conn. — Auk, xii, 3. P- 306. 1902. Nesting of the Great Carolina Wren in Connecticut. — Auk, xix, I, p. 90, Clulee, H. L. 1885. Purple Crackle and Kingfisher at Wallingford in December. — Random Notes on Nat. Hist., ii, 3, p. 18. 214 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Coe, W. W. 1878. Spring- Notes [at Portland, Conn.]. — Forest and Stream, x, pp. 68-69. 1882. Curious Nesting Places. — 0. and 0., vii, 23, pp. 183-184. 1883. Barred Owls and Canada Goose. — O. and O., viii, I, p. 3- 1883. Canada Buntings (Snowflakes) at Portland. — O. and O., viii, i, p. 4. 1883. Great Horned Owl. — O. and O., viii, 2, p. 14. 1883. Bluebirds at Portland, Dec. 31st, 1882.— O. and O., viii, 3, p. 23. 1883. Kingfisher Shot at Portland, Jan. 14th, 1883. — O. and O., viii, 3, p. 24. 1883. Wild Goose Shot Jan. 4th near Middletown. — O. and O., viii, 3, p. 24. 1883. Set of Great Horned Owl's Eggs, March 4th, 1883. —0. and 0., viii, 6, p. 45. Colbron, E. K. 1888. Yellow-Headed Blackbird in Connecticut. — O. and O., xiii, 12, p. 189. Cole, Prof. Leon J. 1909. The Tagging of Wild Birds, as a Means of Study- ing their Movements. — Auk, xxvi, 2, pp. 137- 143- 1910. American Bird-banding Association. — Wilson Bul- letin, No. 70, xxii, I, pp. 53-55- Comstock, V/illiam I. 1889. Connecticut Notes. — Oologist, vi, 12, p. 231. 1890. Connecticut Notes. — Phcebe's Nest with Five Cow- bird's Eggs. — Oologist, vii, 7, p. 141. 1892. The Vireos of Connecticut. — Oologist, ix, 3. p. 76. 1905. Another Large Set of Hawks [Eggs]. — Oologist, xxii, II, p. 168. Connecticut Audubon Society [Mabel (Osgood) Wright, President; Helen W. Glover, Secretary]. 1899. Organization. — Bird-Lore, i, i, p. 30. 1899. Second Annual Meeting.— Bird-Lore, i, 4, p. 139. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 215 1900 I9OI 1903 1905 1905 1906 1906 1907 1908 1909 1 910, I9II Annual Report- Annual Report.- Annual Report.- Annual Report.- Annual Report.- Annual Report.- Annual Report.- Bird-Lore, ii, 5, p. 165. Bird-Lore, iii, 5, p. 181. Bird-Lore, v, i, p. 40. Bird-Lore, vii, i, p. yy. Bird-Lore, vii, 6, p. 312. Bird-Lore, viii, 2, p. yy. Bird-Lore, viii, 6, p. 251. Annual Report. — Bird-Lore, ix, 6, p. 330. Annual Report. — Bird-Lore, x, 6, p. 297. Annual Report. — Bird-Lore, xi, 6, p. 308. Annual Report. — Bird-Lore, xii, 6, p. 285. Annual Report. — Bird-Lore, xiii, 6, pp. 364-365. Cooke, Wells W. 1903. Some New Facts about the Migration of Birds. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Year Book, pp. 371-386. 1903. The Migration of Warblers — American Redstart. — Bird-Lore, v, 6, p. 189. 1904. Distribution and Migration of North American Warblers. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Div. Biol. Surv., Bull. 18. 1904. The Migration of Warblers — Yellow-breasted Chat. — Bird-Lore, vi, i, p. 23. 1904. The Migration of Warblers — Black-throated Green Warbler. — Bird-Lore, vi, 2, pp. 57-58. 1904. The Migration of Warblers — Wilson's Warbler. — Bird-Lore, vi, 2, p. 58. 1904. The Migration of Warblers — Canadian Warbler. Bird-Lore, vi, 2, p. 59. 1904. The Migration of Warblers — Blue-winged War- bler. — Bird-Lore, vi, 3, p. 91. 1904, The Migration of Warblers — Golden-winged Warbler. — Bird-Lore, vi, 3, p. 92. 1904. The Migration of Warblers — Chestnut-sided War- bler. — Bird-Lore, vi, 5, p. 163. 1904. The Migration of Warblers — Magnolia Warbler. — Bird-Lore, vi, 6, p. 200. 1905. The Migration of Warblers — Yellow Warbler. — Bird-Lore, vii, i, p. 32. 2l6 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. 1905. The Migration of Warblers — Prairie Warbler. — Bird-Lore, vii, i, p. 34. 1905. The Migration of Warblers — Connecticut War- bler. — Bird-Lore, vii, 2, p. 136. 1905. The Migration of Warblers — Black and White Warbler. — Bird-Lore, vii, 4, p. 203. 1905. The Migration of Warblers — Black-poll Warbler. — Bird-Lore, vii, 4, p. 205. 1905, The Migration of Warblers — Nashville Warbler. — Bird-Lore, vii, 5, p. 237. 1905. The Migration of Warblers — Yellow Palm War- bler. — Bird Lore, vii, 6, p. 276. 1905. The Migration of Warblers — Maryland Yellow- throat. — Bird-Lore, vii, 6, p. 277. 1906. The Migration of Warblers — Worm-eating War- bler. — Bird-Lore, viii, i, p. 27. 1906, The Migration of Warblers — Myrtle Warbler. — Bird-Lore, viii, 2, pp. 61-62. 1906. The Migration of Warblers — Oven-bird. — Bird- Lore, viii, 3, p. 100. 1906. The Migration of Warblers — Northern Water- Thrush. — Bird-Lore, viii, 3, p. loi. 1906. The Migration of Warblers — Louisiana Water- Thrush. — Bird-Lore, viii, 3, p. 102. 1906. The Migration of Warblers — Northern Parula Warbler. — Bird-Lore, viii, 5, pp. 168-169. 1906. The Migration of Warblers — Black-throated Blue Warbler. — Bird-Lore, vi, 6, p. 203. 1906. Distribution and Migration of North American Ducks, Geese, and Swans. — U. S. Dept. Agri- culture, Div. Biol. Surv., Bull. 26. 1907. The Migration of Thrushes — Wood Thrush. — Bird-Lore, ix, i, p. 32. 1907. The Migration of Thrushes — Wilson's Thrush. — Bird-Lore, ix, i, p. 33. 1907. The Migration of Thrushes — American Robin. — Bird- Lore, ix, 2, p. 76. 1907. The Migration of Thrushes — Hermit Thrush. — Bird-Lore, ix, 3, p. 123. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 21/ 1908. The Migration of Flycatchers — Least Flycatcher. — Bird-Lore, x, 3, p. 117. 1908. The Migration of Flycatchers — Kingbird. — Bird- Lore, X, 4, p. 166. 1908. The Migration of Flycatchers — Wood Pewee. — Bird-Lore, x, 4, p. 168. 1908. The Migration of Flycatchers — Phoebe. — Bird- Lore, X, 5, pp. 210-211. 1909. The Migration of Flycatchers — Crested Fly- catcher. — Bird-Lore, xi, i, pp. 12-13. 1909. The Migration of Vireos — Philadelphia Vireo. — Bird-Lore, xi, 2, p. 78. 1909. The Migration of Vireos — Warbling Vireo. — Bird-Lore, xi, 2, pp. 79-80, 1909. The Migration of Vireos — Red-eyed Vireo. — Bird-Lore, xi, 2, pp. 81-82. 1909. The Migration of Vireos — White-eyed Vireo. — Bird-Lore, xi, 3, p. 118. 1909. The Migration of Vireos — Yellow-throated Vireo, — Bird-Lore, xi, 4, p. 165. 1909. The Migration of Vireos — Blue-headed Vireo. — Bird-Lore, xi, 4, p. 167. 1909. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Tree Sparrow. — Bird-Lore, xi, 6, p. 255. 1909, The Migration of North American Sparrows — Chipping Sparrow, — Bird-Lore, xi. 6, pp. 256- 257- 1909. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Field Sparrow. — Bird-Lore, xi, 6, pp. 258-259. 1910. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Grasshopper Sparrow. — Bird-Lore, xii, i, p. 13. 1910. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Henslow's Sparrow. — Bird-Lore, xii, i, p. 14. 1910. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Song Sparrow. — Bird-Lore, xii, 2, p. 67, 1910. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Sharp-tailed Sparrow. — Bird-Lore, xii, 3, p. iii. 1910. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Nelson's Sparrow. — Bird-Lore, xii, 3, p. 112. 2 [8 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. 1910. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Acadian Sharp-tailed Sparrow. — Bird-Lore, xii, 3, p. 112. 1910. The Migration of North American Sparrows — • Seaside Sparrow. — Bird-Lore, xii, 3, p. 112. 1910. Distribution and Migration of North American Shore-birds. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Biol. Surv., Bull. 35. 1911. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Vesper Sparrow. — Bird-Lore, xiii, 2, pp. 86 and 88. 1911. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Savannah Sparrow. — Bird-Lore, xiii, 3, pp. 144 and 146. 1911. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Indigo Bunting. — Bird-Lore, xiii, 4, pp. 199-201. 191 1. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Evening Grosbeak. — Bird-Lore, xiii, 6, p. 299. 191 1. The Migratory Movements of Birds in Relation to the Weather. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Yearbook for 1910, pp. 377-390. 1912. The Migration of North American Sparrows — White-winged Crossbill. — Bird-Lore, xiv, i, p. 47- 1912. The Migration of North American Sparrows — White-crowned Sparrow. — Bird-Lore, xiv, 2, pp. 98-99. 1912. The Migration of North American Sparrows — White-throated Sparrow. — Bird-Lore, xiv. 2, pp. loi, 103-104. 1912. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Rose-breasted Grosbeak. — Bird-Lore, xiv, 3, pp. 159 and 161. 19 1 2. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Towhee. — Bird-Lore, xiv, 5, pp. 287 and 289. 1912. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Pine Grosbeak. — Bird-Lore, xiv, 6, pp. 345-346. 1913. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Snow Bunting. — Bird-Lore, xv. i, pp. 16-17. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 2I9 1913. The Migration of North American Sparrows — Fox Sparrow. — Bird-Lore, xv, 2, pp. 105-107. 1913. Distribution and Migration of North American Herons and their Allies. — U. S. Dept. Agricul- ture, Biol. Surv., Bull. 45. Cory, Charles B. 1897. How to Know the Shore-birds. 1897, How to Know the Ducks, Geese, and Swans. 1899. The Birds of North America known to Occur East of the Ninetieth Meridian. Part I. Water Birds. Part II. Land Birds. Coues, Elliott, M.D. 1868. Catalogue of the Birds of North America contained in the Museum of the Essex Institute, with which is incorporated a List of the Birds of New England. — Proc. Essex Inst., v, 33, pp. 249-314. 1868. A List of the Birds of New England [Reprinted from Proc. Essex Inst.'], pp. 71, 1872. Key to North American Birds. 1874. Birds of the Northwest. — U. S. Geol. Surv. Terr., Misc. Pub. No. 3. 1878. Birds of the Colorado Valley. — U. S. Geol. Surv. Terr., Misc. Pub. No. ii. 1881. New England Bird Life. Part L Oscines. 1883. New England Bird Life. Part II. Non-Oscine Passeres, Birds of Prey, Game and Water Birds 1884. Key to North American Birds. Second Edition, revised to date. 1903. Key to North American Birds. Fifth Edition, en- tirely revised. Cressy, Nettie S. 1911. Mockingbird at West Hartford — Winter 1910-11. — Hartford Times, Feb. 7. Davie, Oliver. 1898. Nests and Eggs of North American Birds. Fifth Edition, 220 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Deane, Ruthven. 1880, Large-billed Water-Thrush in Connecticut, — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, v, 2, p. 116. 1880. Hooded Warbler in Connecticut. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, V, 2, p. 117. 1881. Breeding of Wild Pigeons in Confinement [in Con- necticut]. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vi, i, p. 60. 1902. Unusual Abundance of the Snowy Owl in New England and Canada. — Auk, xix, 3, pp. 276- 277. 1906. Unusual Abundance of the Snowy Owl. — Auk. xxiii, 3, p. 291. 1907. The Snowy Owl not generally abundant in the Winter of 1906-7. — Atik, xxiv, 2, p. 217. 1907. Unusual Abundance of the American Goshawk. — Auk, xxiv, 2, p. 183. De Kay, James E. 1844. Natural History of New York. Zoology of New York. Part U. Birds. Dow, Everett D. 1912. Hooded Warbler at Hartford, Conn. — Bird-Lore, xiv, 4, p. 230. Dugmore, A. Radclyffe. 1900. The Nests, Eggs, and Breeding Habits of the Land Birds breeding in the Eastern United States. Dunbar, W. L. 1888. Red-eyed Vireo.— Oolo gist, v, lo-ii, p. 158. 1893. Nesting of the Blue-winged Yellow Warbler. — Oblogist, X, 4, p. no. Dutcher, William. 1901. Protection of Gulls and Terns in Connecticut. — Auk. xviii. I, pp. 84-86. 1902. Protection of Gulls and Terns in Connecticut. — Auk. xix, I, p. 39. 1903. Protection of Gulls and Terns in Connecticut. — Auk, XX, I, p. 117- 1904. Food of Screech 0\\\.~- Bird-Lore, vi, 5, p. 180. No. 20.] 1905 1907 1907 1907 1907 1907 1908 1908 THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 221 Game Legislation in Connecticut. — Bird-Lore, vii, 3. P- 183- Game Legislation in Connecticut. — Bird-Lore, ix, 1, P- 54- Game Legislation in Connecticut. — Bird-Lore, ix, 2, p. lOI. Game Legislation in Connecticut. — Bird-Lore, ix, 3, p. 140. Game Legislation in Connecticut. — Bird-Lore, ix, 4, p. 188. Close and Open Seasons for Wood Ducks in 1907. — Bird-Lore, ix. 4, p. 192, i plate. Bird Refuges [in Connecticut]. — Bird-Lore, x, 3, P- 145- Leasing of Willow Island, Conn. — Bird-Lore, x, 4, p. 191. 1909. Willow Island Fund. — Bird-Lore, xi, i, p. 58. 1909. Legislation in Connecticut. — Bird-Lore, xi, 3, p. 146. Dwight, Jonathan, Jr., M.D. 1887. Ammodramus caudacutus subvirgafus taken at Madison, Conn., on June 9th. — Auk, iv, 3, p. 236. 1890. The Llorned Larks of North America. — Auk, vii, 2, pp. 141-142. 1906. Status and Plumages of the White-winged Gulls of the Genus Larus. — Auk, xxiii, i, p. 37. 1907. A Sketch of the Thrushes of North America. — Bird-Lore, ix, 3, pp. 103-109. Eames, Dr. Edwin H. 1888. Notes on Helminthophila leucohronchialis. — Auk, V, 4, p. 427. 1888. Dendroica ccurulea at Seymour, Conn. — Atik, v, 4, P- 431- 1889. The Blue-winged Warbler and its Allies in Con- necticut. — Auk, vi, 4, pp. 305-310. 1889. The Fish Crow in Connecticut. — Auk, vi, 4, p. 338. 222 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. 1890. Food and Habits of the Ruby-throated Humming- bird. — Auk, vii, 3, p. 286-288. 1893. Notes from Connecticut. — Auk, x, i, p. 89. Earnshaw, Frank L. — See Oldys, Henry, Eaton, Elon Howard. 1910. Birds of New York, Part I. — New York State Museum, Memoir 12. Edwards, Stanley W. 1903. Yellow-billed Cuckoo's Egg in a Robin's Nest. — Auk, XX, I, p. 68. Elliott, Daniel Giraud, D.Sc. 1895. North American Shore-Birds. 1897. The Gallinaceous Game Birds of North America. 1898. The Wild Fowl of the United States and British Possessions. Ells, George P. 1907. The Starling at Norwalk, Conn. — Bird-Lore, ix, 5, p. 207. Faxon, Walter. 1889. On the Summer Birds of Berkshire County, Mass. (Several references to Connecticut Species.) — Auk, vi, I, pp. 39-46. 1911. Brewster's Warbler. — Mem. Mus. Comp. ZooL, xi, 2, pp. 57-78, I plate. Fisher, A. K., M. D. 1893. The Hawks and Owls of the United States in their Relation to Agriculture. — U. S. Dept. Agricul- ture, Div. Orn., Bull. 3. 1901. Two Vanishing Game Birds. — U. S. Dept. Agri- ture, Yearbook, pp. 447-458, plates Ixiii, Ixir. Flagg, Wilson. 1875. The Birds and Seasons of New England. Fleming, James H. 1907. The Unusual Migration of Brunnich's Murre {Uria lomvia) in Eastern North America. — Proc. No. 20.] THE BlilDS OF CONNECTICUT. 223 Fourth Intemat. Orn. Cong., 1905, pp. 528-543, plates. Flint, H. W. 1887. The Connecticut Warbler in Connecticut. — O. and O., xii, 10, p. 176. 1888. Nesting of the Blue- winged Yellow Warbler at New Haven, Conn. — O. and O., xiii, 11, p. 173. 1892. Eggs of Warblers in Collection of H. W. Flint. — O. and O., xvii, 9, p. 138. 1892. Louisiana Tanager taken at New Haven, Conn. — O. and O., xvii, 12, p. 187. 1893. Capture of the Louisiana Tanager at New Haven, Conn. — Ai^, x, i, p. 86. Forbush, Edward Howe. 1907. Game Legislation in Connecticut in 1907. — Bird- Lore, ix, 6, p. 304. 1909. Establishing a State Ornithologist in Connecticut. — Bird-Lore, xi, 6, p. 299. 191 1. Legislation in Connecticut in 191 1. — Bird-Lore, xiii, 6, pp. 34^347- Foster, Lyman S. 1893. Great Blue Heron shot at Bridgeport in Jan., 1884. — Ahst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., v, p. 2. 1896. Capture of Hybrid Sandpiper in Connecticut. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y ., viii, p. i. 1896. Capture of Lawrence's and Brewster's Warblers, King Rail, &c., in Connecticut. — Ahst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., viii, p. 4. Fuller, Edward. 1891. The Barred Owl. — Oologist, viii, 2, p. 33. 1891. The Cooper's Hawk. — Oologist, viii, 3, p. 62. 1891. The American Osprey. — Oologist, viii, 7, pp. 145- 147. Gates, Harry T. 1879. Goshawk at Hartford, Dec. 13, 1878. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Journal, vi, 2, p. 24. 224 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. 1879. Rough-legged Hawk (?) near Hartford in June. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Journal, vi, 6, p. 143. 1881. Red-headed Woodpecker at Hartford. — O. and O., vi, 10, pp. 79-80. 1883. Notes from Hartford. — O. and O., viii, i, p. 8. Gentry, Thomas G. 1876. Life-Histories of the Birds of Eastern Pennsyl- vania', Vol. I. 1877, Vol. n. 1882. Nests and Eggs of Birds of the United States. Gladwin, Charles O. 1876. Birds of Southern Connecticut. — Forest and Stream, vi, 8, p 116; 12, p. 180. Goff, J. L. 1883. Nesting Notes from Connecticut. — 0. and 0., viii, p. 78. Goode, G. Brown, LL. D. 1872. A Sea Bird Inland [Alle alle at Middletown, Conn.] — Am Nat., vi, i, p. 49. Goodwin, F. M. 1884. Lanius borealis [^Lanius ludoi/icianus viigrans'\ nesting at Hartland, Conn., in 1881 [Hartland, Vermont. Cf. O. and O., ix, 4, p. 48]. — O. and 0., ix, 3, p. 35. Graves, Charles B., M. D. 1892. Notes on the Louisiana Water-Thrush. — The Observer, iii, 6, pp. 175-176. Graves, Frances M. 1907. The Starling at New London, Conn. — Bird-Lore, ix, 5, p. 209. Grinnell, Dr. George Bird. 1875. The Frigate Bird and White Ibis in Connecticut. — Am. Nat., ix, 8, p. 470. 1880. Winter in Connecticut. (Colaptes auratus and Dendroica palmarum near New Haven.) — Forest and Stream, xiii, p. 105. 1901. American Duck Shooting. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 225 H., C. R. 1884. White Eggs of Bluebird. — Young Oblogist, i, lo, p. 141. 1885. Submersion of Swallows. — Young Oologist, ii, i, p. 9. 1889. Peculiarities in Sets and Eggs of a few of our Common Birds. — Oologist, vi, 4, p. 73. H., G. L. — See Hawley, George L. H., G. S. — See Hawley, George L. Hagenaw, O. J. 1890. American Raven in Consecticut. — O. and O., xv, 10, p. 156. Hallock, Charles. 1877. The Sportsman's Gazetteer and General Guide. Hartford Bird Study Club. 1909. Check-List, with Migration List, 1909. Harvie-Brown, John A. 1874. A Collection of North American Birds' Eggs and Skins, formed principally by the Rev. C. M. Jones, Connecticut. — Proc. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glas- gow, Dec. I, 1874. Hausman, Leon A. 1904. A Bird-Quest. — Warbler, ii, 6, pp. 83-84. 1907. Ecenomic Value of Birds. — Oologist, xxiv, 5, pp. 70-72. " Hawk." 1885. Spotted Robin Eggs. — Young Oologist, i, 10, p. 144. 1885. Notes from Norwich, Conn. — Young Oologist, 1, 11, p. 154. Hawley, George L. (" G. L. H." and " G. S. H.") 1887. Nesting of the Whip-poor-will. — O. and O., xii, 9> P- 155- 1892. Oological Notes. — O. and 0., xvii, 7, pp. 102-103. 1893. Abnormal Coloring of a Song Sparrow's Egg. — O. and O., xviii, i, p. 13. 15 22^ CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [BuU. 1893. Large Eggs of the Field Sparrow. — O. and O., xviii, 6, p. 95. Hayden, Randolph Lawrence. 1901. Whip-poor-will. — Am. Ornith., i, 9, p. 186. Henshaw, Henry W. 1910. Report of the Chief of the Biological Survey for 1910. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture. 1912. Report of the Chief of the Biological Survey for 1912. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture. 191 3. Federal Law for the Protection of Migratory Birds. — U. S. Dept Agriculture, Biol. Surv. Hill, James H. 1902. Connecticut Bird Notes. — Auk, xix, i, p. 93. Hoag, Benjamin. 1897. Are Green Eggs of the Red-tailed Hawk Rare? — Osprey, \, 6, p. 78. Hoffman, Ralph. 1904. A Guide to the Birds of New England and Eastern New York. Holbrook, Judge S. T. 1881. Notes from Norwich, Conn. — O. and O., vi, 5, pp. 30-32. Honeywill, Alfred W., Jr. 1907. Photograph of a Saw-whet Owl at New Haven. — Bird-Lore, ix, i, p. 37. 1907. Prairie Horned Larks in Connecticut. — Bird-Lore, ix, 4, p. 174. 1908. List of the Birds of the New Haven Region.— 7\^^z(; Haven Bird Club, Bull. i. Hornaday, William T, Sc.D. 1913. Our Vanishing Wild Life, Howe, Reginald Heber, Jr. 1899. The Hooded Warbler at Montville, Conn.— Auk, xvi, 4, p. 360. 1900. Rough-winged Swallow Breeding in Connecticut, and other Notes. — Auk, xvii, 4. p. 389. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 22/ 1900. An annotated list of the Birds observed along the Thames River, Conn. — The Day (New Lon- don), Nov. I, 1900, p. 6. 1903. A North American Faunal Index to the " Ornith- ologist and Oologist." — Contrib. to N. A. Ornith., i, pp. 36-38. Howes, Paul G. 1907. The English Starling. — Oologist, xxiv, 3, p. 44. 1907. The English Starling. — Oologist, xxiv, 8, p. 123. 1907. Decrease of Baltimore Oriole at Stamford. — Oologist, xxiv, 9, p. 140. 1908. The Maryland Yellow-throat. — Oologist, xxv, i, P-5- 1908. Notes on the Black-billed Cuckoo. — Oologist, xxv, II, p. 171. 1909. On Purple Crackles (Quiscalus quiscula). — Oologist, xxvi, 6, p. 94. 1909. Notes from Southern Connecticut. — Oologist, xxvi, 8, p. 125. 1909. Bully for the Starling. — Oologist, xxvi, 9, p. 152. 1909. Old Nesting Site of a Colony of Robins. — Oologist, xxvi, II, p. 186. 1909. The Carolina Rail, Nesting near Stamford. — Oologist, xxvi, II, p. 190. 191 1. Photograph of Nest and Eggs of Carolina Rail. — Oologist, xxviii, 5, p. 90. 1911. Connecticut News Items. — Oologist, xxviii, 9, pp. 150-152. 1911. Correction. — Oologist, xxviii, 9, p. 152. 191 1. Accidental Death of a Sparrow. — Oologist, xxviii, II, pp. 169-170. 191 1. Accidental Death of a Starhng. — Oologist, xxviii, 11, pp. 172-173. 191 1. Plates of Crustacea from Stomach of a Starling. — Oologist, xxviii, 11, pp. 174-175. 191 1. A Report on the Woodpecker. — Oologist, xxviii, 12, pp. 194-201. 228 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Hoyt, William H. 1889. European Thrush {Turdus pilaris) and Lawrence's Warbler at Stamford. — 0. and O., xiv, 3, p. 44. Huntington, Dwight W. 1903. Our Feathered Game. 1910. Our Wild Fowl and Waders. Hutchins, Rev. John. 1900. The House Wren as a Depredator. — Bird-Lore, ii, 3, p. 89. 1902. The Nesting of the Yellow-throated Vireo. — Bird- Lore, iv, 4, pp. 120-122. 1905. A Recent Visit of the Evening Grosbeak. — Bird- Lore, vii, 3, p. 173. 1907. The Feeding Habits of the Blue Jay. — Bird-Lore, ix, 2, p. 81. 1908. Pileated Woodpecker near Litchfield, Conn. — Auk, XXV, 4, p. 475. Ingersoll, Ernest. 1874. Discover)^ of the Water-Thrush's Nest in New England. — Am. Nat., viii, 4, pp. 238-239. 1 88 1. Colaptcs auratus, called " Yaffle " in Connecticut. — B^ill. Niitt. Orn. Club, vi, 3, p. 184. Inquirer. 1886. Golden Eagle in Connecticut. — Forest and Stream, xxvii, 19, p. 362. J., A. W. 1891. Connecticut Shore-birds. — Am. Field, xxxv, 7, p. 151. Job, Rev. Herbert K. 1900. The American Egret in Connecticut. — Auk, xvii, 3, P- 294- 1901. Photographing the Caprimulgidse. — Osprey, v, 4, PP- 51-54- 1931. The Pileated Woodpecker in Connecticut. — Auk, xviii, 2, p. 193. 1905. Wild Wings. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 229 1907. A Thrashing by Thrashers. — Bird-Lore, ix, 6, pp. 241-244. 1908. The Sport of Bird Study. Appendix — List of the Birds Observed in Litchfield County, Conn. 1910. How to study Birds. Jones, Rev. C. M. 1870. The Breeding Habits of Birds. — Am. Nat., iii, i, pp. 48-49. 1876. Breeding of Black-throated Blue Warbler in Con- necticut. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, i, i, pp. 11-13. 1 88 1. Henslow's Sparrow Nesting in Northern Con- necticut. — O. and O., vi, 3, pp. 17-18. 1881. Black-throated Blue Warbler in Connecticut. — O. and O., vi, 7, pp. 49-50. 1883. A Pair of Mallards shot at Eastford, Conn. — O. and O., viii, 4, p. 32. 1884. The Black-throated Blue Warbler in Connecticut. — O. and O., ix, 3, pp. 30-31. 1886. The Connecticut Warbler. — 0. and O., xi, 3, pp. 43-44- 1887. Nesting of Blue-headed Vireo. — O. and O., xii, 2, p. 26. 1887. Secured a Pure Albino Robin. — O. and O., xii, 8, P- 134- 1888. The White-breasted Nuthatch. — O. and O., xiii, 4, PP- 57-58. 189 1. Singular Capture of a Black-throated Diver. — 0. and O., xvi, 2, p. 20. Jones, George C. 1884. Great Northern Diver. — 0. and 0., ix, 6, p. 76. Jones, Prof. Lynds. 1892. Report of the President for the Work of 1891 on the Fringillidoe. — Wilson Quarterly, iv, 2, pp. 67-84. 1900. Warbler Songs (Mniotiltidcr) . — Wilson Bulletin, No. 30, xii, I, pp. 1-56. 230 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [BuU. Judd, Elmer T. 1889. Climbing- of a young Yellow-throated Vireo. — 0. and O., xiv, 8, p. 128. Judd, Robert S. 1907. The Starling at Bethel, Conn. — Bird-Lore, ix, 5, p. 207. 1908. The Prairie Horned Lark in Fairfield County, Conn. — Bird-Lore, x, 3, p. 129. Judge, E. W., Jr. 1885. A Nest Full of Eggs. — Young Oologist, ii, 2, p. 28. Kimball, S. T. 1883. Song Sparrow's Nest, and Great Northern Shrike. — O. and O., viii, 2, p. 16. Knowles, Rev. W. C. 1905. Where the Blue Jays find a Breakfast. — Bird-Lore, vii, 3, p. 178. Lacey, Lottie Alvard. 1908. Redpoll Linnets. — Bird-Lore, x, i, pp. 10-13. 1912. A Winter Oriole. — Bird-Lore, xiv, 2, p. 109. Langille, Rev. J. Hibbert. 1892. Birds in their Haunts. Lawrence, George N. — See Baird, Spencer F. Lincoln, C. E. 1891. Notes from Middletown, Conn. — O. and O., xvi, 9, pp. 140-141. Linsley, A. M. 1887. Chipping Sparrow Nest in that of Baltimore Oriole. — Oologist, iv, 2, p. 79. 1889. Notes on Connecticut Birds. — Oologist, vi, 12, pp. 232-233. 1891. A Rambling Mixture from Connecticut (Hens- low's Sparrow). — Oologist, viii, 9, pp. 179-180. Linsley, Rev. James H. 1843. -^ Catalogue of the Birds of Connecticut, arranged according to their Natural Families. — Am. Journ. Set. and Arts, xliv, 2, pp. 249-274. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 23I 1844. Additional Notes on Connecticut Birds. — Am. Journ. Set. and Arts, xlvi, i, p. 51. Lucas, W. H. /^ 1884. Jottings from West Stratford. — Young Oologist ^ h 7, P- 103- 1887. Interesting Notes from Connecticut. — Oologist, iv r 2, p. 84. 1889. Cape May Warbler at Bridgeport. — O. and O v xiv, 10, p. 160. 1890. Woodcock at Bridgeport, Jan. 26, 1890, and othe Records. — O. and O., xv, 2, p. 31. 1891. Florida Gallinule in Connecticut [Clapper Rail] — O. and O., xvi, 10, p. 149. M., J. R. 1884. Black-capped Chickadee. — Young Oologist, i, 5, p. 70. McCook, Philip J. 1897. Capture of the Little Blue Heron in Connecticut. — Auk, xiv, 4, p. 402. 1897. A Brown Crow [at Blackball, Conn.]. — Osprey ii, 3, p. 40. 1905. Little Blue Heron in Connecticut. — Auk, xxii, i, p. 76. Martin, John A. 1884. Spotted Robin Eggs. — Young Oologist, i, 9, p. 131. Maynard, Charles J. 1890. Eggs of North American Birds. 1896. Handbook of the Sparrows, Finches, &c., of New England. 1896. The Birds of Eastern North America. Mearns, Dr. Edgar A., U. S. A. 1892. A Study of the Sparrow Hawks (Subgenus Tin- nunculus) of America, with especial reference to the Continental Species (Falco sparverius Linn.). — Auk, ix, 3, pp. 252-270. 232 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Meeker, Jesse C. A. 1897. Nesting Habits of the Black-throated Green War- bler. — Oologist, xiv, II, p. 99. 1899. Nesting of the Blue-winged Warbler. — Oologist, xvi, 2, p. 30. 1906. A Male Golden-winged Warbler Mated with a Female Blue-winged Warbler, at Bethel, Conn. — Auk, xxiii, I, p. 104. Meg Merrythought. 1906. Nesting of Killdeer in Northern Connecticut. — Am. Ornith., vi, 7, pp. 173-174. Merriam, C. Hart, M.D. 1876. Passercuhis princeps and Pariis hudsonicus in Con- necticut. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, i, 2, p. 52. 1877. A Review of the Birds of Connecticut with Re- marks on their Habits. — Trans. Conn. Acad., iv, pp. 1-150. 1878. Early Arrivals [at New Haven]. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Journ., v, 4, p. y2. 1878. Correction: Podiceps cristatus not a Connecticut Bird. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iii, i, p. 47. 1884. The Coming of the Robins and other Early Birds in Southern Connecticut. — Science, iv, pp. 571-572. 1885. Preliminary Report of the Committee on Bird Migration. — Auk, ii, i, pp. 53-65. 1887. Report of the Ornithologist. — Ann. Rep. Dept. Agriculture for 1886, pp. 227-258. 1888. Report of the Ornithologist. — Ann. Rep. Dept. Agriculture for 1887, pp. 399-456. 1889. Report of the Ornithologist and Mammalogist. — Ann. Rep. Dept. Agriculture for 1888, pp. 477- 536. 1898. Life Zones and Crop Zones of the United States. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Div. Biol. Surv., Bull. 10. 1908. Decision of the Supreme Court of the United States on the Sale of Imported Game. — U, S. Dept. Agriculture, Div. Eiol. Survey, Circular 67. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 233 1908. Report of the Chief of the Bureau of Biological Survey for 1908. 1909. Report of the Chief of the Bureau of Biological Survey for 1909. Mershon, W. B. 1907. The Passenger Pigeon. Metcalf, Willard L. 1909. Ruby-throated Hummingbiid — Two Broods from One Nest. — Oologist, xxvi, 10, p. 163. Minot, Henry D. 1877. The Land Birds and Game Birds of New England. 1877. Minot's New England Birds: Additions. — Am. Nat., xi, 3, p. 175. 1881. Notes on the Migration of Birds [in Western Con- necticut] . — Am. Nat., xv, pp. 870-872, 1895. The Land Birds and Game Birds of New England. Second Edition. Edited by William Brewster. Morgan, Albert. 1907. The Starling at Wethersfield, Conn. — Bird-Lore, ix, 5, p. 208. 1909. Two Warbler Photographs. — Bird-Lore, xi, 5, pp. 206-208. 1913. A Bird Apartment House. — Bird-Lore, xv, 3, pp. 155-157- Morris, Robert O. 1894. Rare Visitations to the Connecticut Valley in 1893. — Auk, xi, 2, p. 181. 1901. The Birds of Springfield and Vicinity. Morris, Robert T., M.D. 1876. Game Birds of Connecticut. — Forest and Stream, vii, p. 116. 1876. Local Nomenclature [for wild fowl] on the Con- necticut Coast. — Forest and Stream, vii, p. 276. Morse, Albert P., M. D. 1897. List of Birds of Wellesley [Mass.], 234 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Moulthrope, George E. 1902. The Camera against a Phoebe. — Am. Ornith., ii, pp. 338-341- Munson, Edward L., M.D. 1887. Notes from New Haven, Conn. — O. and O., xii, 9, p. 156. Munson, S. A, 1882. Golden Eagle taken near Hartford, Conn. — O. and 0., vi, 12, p. 94. Ne£f, Charles H. 1883. The Great Carolina Wren in Connecticut. — Forest and Stream, xx, 8, p. 47. 1883. Winter and Spring Notes 1882-83 (Portland, Con- necticut). — Forest and Stream, xx, 19, 4, p. 364. 1883. Summer Birds in Winter. — O. and O., viii, 4, p. 32. 1883. Least Bittern Nesting at Portland. — O. and O., viii, II, p. 86. 1888. List of the Birds of Portland, Conn., and Vicinity. — Middlesex Co. Record, iv, 4, 5, 6, 7. 1893. Baltimore Oriole at Portland, Conn., Dec. 22. 1892. — O. and 0., xviii, 3, p. 47. Nehrling, Henry. 1893. Our Native Birds of Song and Beauty. Vol. i. 1896. Our Native Birds of Song and Beauty. Vol. ii. Nelson, E. W. 1904. A Revision of the North American Mainland Species of Myiarchus. — Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., xvii, pp. 21-50. Nev/ Haven Ornithological Club. 1888. Founding. — O. and 0., xiii, 3, p. 47. Norris, J. Parker. 1886. A Series of Eggs of the Red-tailed Hawk. — O. and 0., xi, 5, pp. 67-69. 1886. The Relative Size of Eggs of the Red-tailed Hawk to the Parent Birds. — O. and O., xi, 8, p. 118. Nq. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNFXTICUT. 235 1887. A Series of Eggs of Myiodioctes mitratus. — 0. and O., xii, 12, pp. 200-201. 1888. A Series of Eggs of Parula americana. — O. and O., xiii, I, pp. 2-5. 1888. A Series of Eggs of Accipiter fiiscus. — 0. and O., xiii, 3, pp. 34-37. Sets of Barred Owl collected in Connecticut. — O. and O., xiii, 3, pp. 39-40. A Series of Eggs of Accipiter cooperi. — O. and O., xiii, 4, pp. 51-52. 1889. A Series of Eggs of the American Woodcock. — O. and O., xiv, 8, p. 119. 1890. A Series of Eggs of the Nashville Warbler. — O. and O., xv, 2, pp. 23-24. 1890. A Series of Eggs of the Louisiana Water-Thrush. — 0. and O., xv, 4, pp. 53-54. 1890. A Series of Eggs of the Marsh Hawk. — O. and O., XV, 5, p. 72. 1891. A Series of Eggs of Red-shouldered Hawk. — O. and O., xvi, i, pp. 1-9. 1891. Some Curious Sets of the Baltimore Oriole's Eggs. — O. and O., xvi, 4, p. 61. 1891. A Series of Eggs of the White-breasted Nuthatch. — O. and O., xvi, 8, pp. 123-124. 1891. A Series of Eggs of the Maryland Yellow-throat. — O. and O., xvi, 10, pp. 150-152. 1892. A Series of Eggs of Scarlet Tanager. — 0. and O., xvii, 2, pp. 21-22. 1892. A Series of Eggs of Ovenbird. — 0. and 0., xvii, 5, pp. 65-67. Nuttall, Thomas. 1832. A Manual of the Ornithology of the United States and Canada. The Land Birds. 1834. A Manual of the Ornithology of the United States and Canada. The Water Birds. 1891. A Popular Handbook of the Ornithology of Eastern North America. Revised and annotated by Montague Chamberlain. 22^6 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Oberholser, Harry C. 1902. A Review of the Larks of the Genus Otocoris. — Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., xxiv, pp. 801-884, plates xHii-xlix. 1904. A Revision of the American Great Horned Owls. — Proc. U. S. Mus., xxvii, pp. 177-192. 1904. A Review of the Wrens of the Genus Troglodytes. — Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., xxvii, pp. 197-210. 1906. The North American Eagles and their Economic Relations. — U, S. Dept. Agriculture, Div. Biol. Surv., Bull. 27. 1911. A Revision of the Forms of the Hairy Woodpecker, Dryobates villosus (Linn^us). — Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., xl, pp. 595-621. 1912. A Revision of the Subspecies of the Green Heron, Butorides virescens (Linnseus). — Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., xlii, pp. 529-577. 1912. A Revision of the Forms of the Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias Linnjeus. — Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., xliii, pp. 531-559. Observer, An. 1891. American Sparrow Hawk. — Oologist, viii, i, p. 6. 1891. Hermit Thrush. — Oologist, viii, 4, 5, pp. 91-92. Olds, H.— See Palmer, T. S. Oldys, Henry. 1908. Game Protection in 1907. — U. S. Dept. Agri- culture, Yearbook for 1907, pp. 590-597. 19 10. Introduction of the Hungarian Partridge into the United States. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Year- book for 1909, pp. 249-258. Oldys, Henry, Brewster, C. E., and Earnshaw, Frank L. 1910. Game Laws for 1910. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Farmers' Bull. 418. Palmer, C. H. 1905. Winter Birds seen from a Window. — Am. Ornith., V, 5, pp. 104-106. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 237 Palmer, Dr. Theodore S. 1899. Report of the Acting Chief of the Division of Bio- logical Survey for 1899. — Report of Sec. of Agriculture, pp. 59-70. 1900. Legislation for the Protection of Birds other than Game Birds. — 'U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Div. Biol. Surv., Bull. 12. 1900 — 1912.. Director}^ of Officials and Organizations concerned with the Protection of Birds and Game. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Div. Biol. Surv., Circulars 28, 33, 50, 53, 62, 65, 70, 74, 83,88. _ 1904. Hunting Licenses. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Div. Biol. Surv., Bull. 19. 1904. Game Protection in 1904. — U. S. Dept. Agricul- ture, Yearbook, pp. 606-610. 1905. Recommendations of State Game Commissioners and Wardens for 1905. — U. S. Dept. Agri- culture, Div. Biol. Surv., Circular 47. 1905. Game Protection in 1905. — U. S. Dept. Agricul- ture, Yearbook, pp. 611-617. 1905. Federal Game Protection. A Five Years' Retro- spect. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Yearbook for 1905. PP- 541-562. 1905. Some Benefits the Farmers may Derive from Game Protection. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Yearbook for 1904, pp. 509-520.' 1907. Game Protection in 1906. — 'U, S. Dept. Agrical- ture, Yearbook for 1906, pp. 533-540. 1909. Progress of Game Protection in 1908. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Yearbook for 1908, Appendix, pp. 580-590. Palmer, T. S., Olds, H., V/illiams, R. V/.,Jr., and Brewster, C. E. 1900. Laws Regulating the Transportation and Sale of Game. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Div. Biol. Surv., Bull. 14. 238 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. 1900. Information Concerning Game ; Seasons, Shipment, and Sale. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Div. Biol. Surv., Circular 31. 1901. Digest of Game Laws for 1901. — U. S. Dept. Agri- culture, Div. Biol. Surv., Bull. 16. 1902. Game Laws for 1902. — U. .S. Dept. Agriculture, Farmers' Bull. 160. 1903. Game Laws for 1903. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Farmers' Bull. 180. 1904. Game Laws for 1904. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Farmers' Bull. 207. 1905. Game Laws for 1905. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Farmers' Bull. 230. 1906. Game Laws for 1906. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Farmers' Bull. 265. 1907. Game Laws for 1907. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Farmers' Bull. 308. 1908. Game Laws for 1908. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Farmers' Bull. 336. 1909. Game Laws for 1909. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Farmers' Bull. 376. 1910. Progress of Game Protection in 1909. — U. S. Dept Agriculture, Div. Biol. Surv.., Circular 73. 1911. Progress of Game Protection in 1910. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Div. Biol. Surv., Circular 80. 1912. Game Laws for 1912. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Farmers' Bull. 510. 1912. Chronology and Index of the more important Events in American Game Protection 1776-1911. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Div. Biol. Survey, Bull. 41. Pangburn, Clifford H. 1907. The Starling at New Haven, Conn. — Bird-Lore, ix, 5, p. 207. 1907. Horned Lark Breeding in Connecticut. — Bird- Lore, ix, 5, p. 217. 1909. The Carolina Wren at New Haven, Conn. — Auk, xxvi, 2, p. 195. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 239 1909. Unusual Dates for Some Birds at New Haven, Conn. — Auk, xxvi, 2, p. 198. Pangburn, Clifford H. and Dwight B. 1908. List of the Birds of the New Haven Region. — New Haven Bird Club, Bull. i. Pennant, Thomas. 1785. Birds. Arctic Zoology, Vol. ii, Class ii. Pilliry, Norman B. 1910. Brewster's Warbler at Waterbury. — Bird-Lore, xii, 2, p. 78. Piatt, Franklin, 1887. A List of the Birds of Meriden, Conn. — Trans. Meriden Sci. Ass., 1885-6, ii, pp. 30-53, 1889. A Supplementary List of the Birds of Meriden, Conn. — Trans. Meriden Sci. Ass., 1889, iii, p. 41- Porter, Louis H. 1892. Abnormal Plumage of Hahia ludoviciana. — Auk, ix, 3, p. 302. 1895. Southern Capture of Larus Icucoptcrus. — Auk, xii, I, p. y6. 1895. Connecticut Notes. — Auk, xii, i, p. 86. 1907. The Breeding Habits of Empidonax virescens in Connecticut. — Auk, xxiv, i, p. 99. 1908. Nesting Habits of Birds at Stamford, Conn., as affected by the Cold Spring of 1907. — Auk, xxv, I, pp. 16-21. 1910. Hermit Thrush Breeding in Litchfield County, Conn. — Auk, xxvii, 4, p. 461. Prior, Charles E. 1882. Thrushes. — O. and O., vii, 22, pp. 170-171. 1883. Rose-breasted Grosbeak Nesting in Jewett City. — O. and O., viii, 9, p. 71. 1884. Nest of the Mockingbird in Connecticut. — O. and O., ix, 8, pp. 94-95- 1884. Notes from Jewett City, Conn. — O. and O ., ix, 8, pp. loo-ioi. 240 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. 1884. The Black and White Creeper. — 0. and O., ix, 9, p. 109. 1884. Nest of the Mockingbird in Connecticut, and a Queer Nesting Place. — O. and 0., ix, 9, p. 115. Purdie, Henry A. 1873. Notes on Some of the Rarer Birds of New England. — Am. Nat., vii, 11, pp. 692-693. 1877. Notice of a Few Birds of Rare or Accidental Occurrence in New England. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, ii, I, pp. 20-22. 1879. The Great Carolina Wren in Connecticut. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iv, i, p. 61. 1897. A Record of Additional Specimens of the White- throated Warbler {Helminthophaga leucobron- chialis). — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iv, 3, p. 184, Pynchon, W. H. C. 1900. Every-day Study of Birds, etc. — Bird-Lore, ii, i, pp. 19-22. R. 1884. Blue Jay. Brown Thrush. — Young Oologist, i, 3, P- 37- Rawson, Calvin L. (Jennie May Whipple.) 1875. Baltimore Oriole. — 0. and 0., i, 4, pp. 28-29. 1875-1876. The Season of '75. — 0. and 0., i, 12, p. 83, and ii, i, pp. 1-2. 1876. Trochilus colubris. — O. and 0., ii, 2, pp. 9-10. 1876. Hawk Breeding and Mating. — O. and O., ii, 4, pp. 25-26. 1877. Wise as an Owl, or Stupid as an Owl — which? — O. and O., iii, i, pp. 1-2. 1878. Professional Oologists. — Familiar Sci. and Fan- ciers' Journ., V, 4, p. 75. 1878. Woodcock killed by Telegraph Wires. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Journ., v, 5, p. 94. 1878. The Season of '78. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Journ., V, 6, p. 112. 1878. The End of the Season. — Familiar Sci. and Fan- ciers' Journ., V, 7, p. 134. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 24I 1879. The Oologist in Winter. — Familiar Set. and Fan- ciers' Jotirn., vi, 2, pp. 23-24. 1879. Illogical or Oological. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Journ., vi, 3, pp. 39-40. 1879. Field Notes. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Journ., vi, 4, p. 60. 1879. The Early-breeding Birds. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Journ., vi, 5, p. 80. 1879. Hawking. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Journ., vi, 6, fp. 95-96. ^- " • 1879. TUfe Waning Season. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Jo%pi., vi, 8, p. 126. 1879. The 'Close of tlie Season. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Journ., vi, 9, pp. 142-143. 1879. Fugitive Notes. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Journ., vi, 10, pp. 158-159. 1880. The Season of 1880 — The Oologist.— O. and O., V, 8, pp. 57-58. 1880. November Notes — The Oologist. — 0. and 0., v, 10, pp. 77-78. 1881. The Season of '81.— O. and O., vi, 5, pp. 37-38. 1881. Close of the Season. — O. and O., vi, 7, pp. 54-55. 1881. Cooper's Hawk. — O. and O., vi, 17, pp. 73-74. . 1882. Sharp-shinned Hawk. — O. and O., vi, 12, pp. 89-91. 1882. Hints to Collectors. — 0. and O., vii, 15, pp. 117- 118. 1882. Great Horned Owl's Nest and Eggs. — O. and O., vii, 16, p. 125. 1882. Fresh Work in an Old Field [Eggs of Nashville Warbler]. — O. and 0., vii, 22, p. 173. 1883. Nest with Four Chat's and Three Cowbird's Eggs. — O. and O., viii, 2, p. 15. 1883. Bluebird all the Year at Norwich. — O. and O., viii, 2, p. 15. 1883. An Icy Nest. — 0. and O., viii, 6, p. 48. 1883. An April Walk. — O. and O., viii, 6, pp. 44-45. 1883. Among the Buteos. — O. and O., viii, 3, pp. 17-18. 1883. The Hawks of '83.— O. and O., viii, 11, p. 85. 16 242 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [BuU. 1884. The Marsh Hawk and its Eggs. — O. and 0., ix, 1, p. 8; 2, p. 16. 1884. Gastro-oological. — O. and 0., ix, 5, pp. 57-58. 1884. Migration and Breeding Notes. — O. and O., ix, 6, pp. 68-69. 1885. An 1884 Hawk List. — 0. and 0., x, 2, pp. 24-25. 1885. Notes from Norwich, Conn. — ■ O. and 0., x, 3, P- 74- 1885. Hawking.— O. and Or, x, 6, p. 89. 1886. Qwl versus H^wk.— O. and 0., xi^ 6^ pp. 84-85. 1886. Pleasant! — O. and 0., xi, 7, p. 102. 1887. City Singers. — O. and O., xii, 3, pp. 40-41. 1887. Night Heron's Nest. — 0. and Q., xii, 7, pp. 112-113. 1887. The Golden Eagle in Connecticut. — 0. and 0., xii, 12, p. 206. Icterus spurius — Eastern Race. — Oologist, v, 3, P-37- The Parula Warbler — its Nest and Eggs. — 0. and 0., xiii, i, pp. 1-2. Nesting of the Barred Owl. — 0. and O., xiii, 3, PP- 37-38- 1888. In Embrj^o. — 0. and O., xiii, 5, pp. 78-80. 1888. Afield.— O. and 0., xiii, 6, pp. 83-85. 1889. Easter Hawks' Eggs. — 0. and O., xiv, 6, pp. 81-83. 1890. A Wet Day with the Marsh Hawks. — O. and O., XV, 3, pp. 33-34. 1891. The Birds of Long Point. — O. and O., xvi, 4, pp. 59-61. 1897. Another Golden Eagle in Connecticut. — Auk, xiv, 2, p. 215. 1905-1910. The Quail Trap. — Oologist, xxii, 3, p. 39; 7, p. 104; II, p. 170; xxiii, 6, p. 86; xxiv, 3, p. 38; 9, p. 135; II, p. 170; 12, p. 185; XXV, 2, p. 25 ; II, p. 167; xxvi, 2, p. 21 ; 4, p. 58; xxvii, 11, p. 129. Raymond, D. W. 1891. The Green Heron. — Oologist, viii, i, p. 13. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 243 Reed, Chester A. 1903. Color Key to North American Birds. 1904. North American Birds' Eggs. 1904. A Check List and Habitat Map. — Am. Ornith., iv, 8, pp. 209-227, Rich, Walter H. 1907. Feathered Game of the Northeast. Ridgway, Robert. 1887. A Maniial of North American Birds. 1896. A Manual of North American Birds. Second Edition, 190-1. The Birds of North and Middle America. Part i. — Bull. U, S. Nat. Mus., No. 50. 1902. The Birds of North and Middle America. Part ii. — Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 50. 1904. The Birds of North and Middle America, Part iii. — Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 50. 1907. The Birds of North and Middle America. Part iv. — Bull, U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 50. 19 II. The Birds of North and Middle America, Part v. — Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 50. See also Baird, Spencer F. Roberts, George, Jr. 1897. Tyrant Flycatchers in New England. — Oologist, xiv, 4, pp. 39-41. Rogers, Ruth. 1905. Notes on Winter Feeding. — Bird-Lore, vii, 5, p. 241. Royce, E. D. 1890, Two Instances of Strange Co-habitation. Wood Thrush and White-eyed Vireo. — Oologist, viij 8, p. 158. Sage, John H. 1878. Birds of the Garden and Orchard. — The Constitu- tion (Middletown, Conn.), xli, 15. 1878. Birds of the Garden and Orchard. — Familiar Set. and Fanciers' Journ., v, 3, pp. 50-51. 244 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [BuU. 1879. Field Notes. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Journ., vi, 4, p. 60 ; 5, p. 80. 1880. King Rail at Portland, Sept. nth, 1879. — Forest and Stream, xiv, 6. 1881. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. — O. and O., vi, i, p. 5. 1881. Birds and Windows. — Bull. Nuft. Orn. Club, vi, 3, P- 188. 1881. A Sparrow Hawk Breeding in a Barn, and Capture of Accipiter fuscus in Winter. — 0. and 0., vi, i, p. 6. 1882. Spring* Notes.-*- Forest and Stream, xviii, 16, p. 305- 1882. Golden-winged Warbler [in Connecticut]. — O. and O., vii, p. 141. 1883. White Heron (Herodias alba egretta) shot at Say- brook, Conn. — 0. and O., viii, i, p. 4. 1883. Snowy Owl shot at Portland, Nov. i8th. — O. and O., viii, I, p. 4. 1883. Black Snowbird — J unco hyemalis. — O. and O., viii, 2, p. 14. 1883. Pine Grosbeaks and Snowy Owl at Portland. — O. and O., viii, 3, p. 24. 1883. Lapland Longspur taken near Portland, Jan. 26, 1883. — O. and O., viii, 6, p. 42. 1883. Capture of the Great Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) in Connecticut in March. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, viii, 2, p. 120. 1883. Capture of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher {Polioptila ccerulea) in Connecticut. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, viii, 3, p. 179. 1883. A Partial Albino Short-eared Owl (Asio accipi- trinus) in Connecticut. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, viii, 3, p. 183. 1884. Another Example of Helminthophila leucobron- chialis from Connecticut. — Auk, i, i, p. 91. 1885. Return of Robins to the Same Nesting Places. — Auk, ii, 3, p. 304. 1885. Helminthophila leucobronchialis from Connecticut. — Auk, ii, 3, p. 304. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 245 1885. Nesting of the Worm-eating Warbler in Southern Connecticut. — Auk, ii, 3, p. 305. 1886. Icterus galbula in Connecticut in November. — Auk, iii, I, p. 135. 1886. A Partial Albino Hermit Thrush. — Auk, iii, 3, p. 282. 1886. Lincoln's Sparrow and the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in Connecticut. — Auk, iii, 4, p. 487. 1886. Carolina Wren in Connecticut. — Auk, iii, 4, p. 489. 1887. Birds about our Homes. — Middlesex Co. Record (Portland, Conn.), May 20. 1887. Middletown, Conn., Glossy Ibis of 1850. — Auk, iv, 3, p. 253. 1889. The Interbreeding of Helminthophila pinus and H. chrysoptera. — Auk, vi, 3, p. 279. 1889. Snowy Owl in Connecticut. — Forest and Stream, xxxiii, 21, p. 405, 1889. A Flight of Hawks. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., i, p. 6. 1890. Some Winter Birds. — The Observer, i, i, p. 5. 1890. Black Guillemot in Connecticut. — Auk, vii, 3, p. 283. 1890. Diurnal Birds of Prey [found at Portland, Conn.]. — The Observer, i, 2, p, 25. 1890. Evening Grosbeaks in Connecticut. — Forest and Stream, xxxiv, 10, p. 187. 1891. Ammodramus caudacutus nelsoni and A. c. sub- virgatus in Connecticut. — Auk, viii, i, p. 115. 1893. Notes on some Connecticut Birds. — Auk, x, 2, pp. 206-207. 1893. Notes on Helminthophila chrysoptera, pinus, leucobronchialis, and lawrencei, in Connecticut. — Auk, X, 2, pp. 208-209. 1893. The Summer Tanager in Connecticut. — Auk, x, 3, P- 303- 1893. Notes on some Connecticut Birds. — Auk, x, 4, P- 371- 1894. Albino [Red-winged] Blackbird. — Forest and Stream, xlii, 13, p. 267. 246 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. 1894. Notes on some Connecticut Birds. — Auk, xi, 2, p. 181. 1894. Migrating Warblers [at Portland]. — The Observer, V, 6. 1895. A Swallow Roost near Portland, Conn. — Auk_, xii, I, p. 83. 1895. A Chimney Swift's Nest. — The Observer, vi, 5. 1895. A Sora Caught by a Mussel. — Auk, xii, 3, p. 297. 1895. Nesting of Hclminthophila leucobronchialis in Connecticut. — Auk, xii, 3, p. 307. 1895. Notes on some Connecticut Birds. — Auk, xii, 3, p. 310. 1895. A Sora Caught by a Mussel. — The Nautilus, ix, 5. 1895. The White-winged Scoter {Oidemia deglandi) [at Portland]. — The Observer, vi, 11. 1898. List of Birds found about my house at Portland, Conn. 1898. Goshawks at Portland in Jan., 1898. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. v., X, p. 5. 1899. Fall Migration at Portland, Conn. — Bird-Lore, i, 4, p. 128. 1899. Great Migration Wave at Portland on May 18, i8gS.— Abst. Linn. .Soc, N. Y., xi, p. 5. 1900. Spring Migration at Portland, Conn. — Bird-Lore, ii, 2, pp. 56-57. 1900. Tennessee Warbler and Pigeon Hawks at Portland. — Abst. Linn. Soc., N. Y., xii, p. 4. 1901. February Bird Life in the Vicinity of Hartford. — Hartford Times, Feb. 6. 1901. List of Birds [found about my house at Portland, with additions]. — Nature Study Manual of the Public Schools of Middletown, Conn., pp. 42-45. 1902. Spring Migration. Average Dates of Arrival of Birds within Fifteen Miles of Hartford. — Hartford Scientific Society. 1904. Cold Weather Visitors. — Hartford Times, Feb. 29. 1904. April Bird Life in the Vicinity of Hartford, Conn. — Hartford Sci. Soc. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 247 1906. The Baltimore Oriole — dates of first appearance at Portland. — Penny Press (Middletown, Conn.), May 9. 1908, Purple Crackles. — Hartford Courant, March 13. 1908. Arrival of the Fox Sparrow. — Hartford Courant, March 18. 1908. Willow Island, Conn. — Bird-Lore, x, 4, pp. 189-191. 1909. Pine Grosbeaks. — Hartford Courant, Jan. 20. 1909. The Black Gyrfalcon in Connecticut. — Auk, xxvi, 4, pp. 429-430- 1910. About Mockingbirds [in Hartford]. — Hartford Courant, April 25. 1911. Dates of Arrival of the Baltimore Oriole {Icterus galbula) at Portland, for forty years. 1912. Fox Sparrows. — Penny Press (Middletown, Conn.), March 29. 1912. Starling Habits. — Forest and Stream, Ixxviii, 13, p. 407. 1912. Holboell's Grebe in Connecticut. — Auk, xxix, 2, p. 233- St. John, Prof. Edv^^ard P. 191 1. Evening Grosbeaks at Hartford, Conn. — Bird- Lore, xiii, 2, p. 94. 191 1. Mockingl^ird Wintering in West Hartford, Conn. — Bird-Lore, xiii, 2, p. 97. Samuels, E. A. 1872. Birds of New England and Adjacent States. Sixth Edition. Sanford, Leonard C, M. D. 1903. The Water- Fowl Family. Saunders, A. A. 1907. Starling at New Haven, Conn. — Bird-Lore, ix, 5, p. 207. 1908. Growth of Young Black-billed Cuckoos. — Bird- Lore, X, 5, p. 205. 1908. List of the Birds of the New Haven Region. — New Haven Bird Club, Bull. i. 248 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. 1911. A Study of the Nesting of the Cedar Waxwing. — Auk, xxviii, 3, pp. 323-329. Schaller, Carleton. 1905. Two Weeks with the Birds in Kent, Conn. — Wilson Bulletin, No. 52, xvii, 3, pp. 97-99. Schwab, Rev. L. H. 1899. An Odd Nesting Site. — Bird-Lore, i, 5, p. 166. Schwarz, E. A. — See Barrows, Walter B. Scott, William E. D. 1905. On the Probable Origin of certain Birds. — Science, N. S., xxii, pp. 271-282. Selinger, Mrs. W. 1897. The Nest Building of the Swallows. — Oologist, xiv, 3, p. 29. Seton, Ernest Thompson. 1909. The Hollow Tree. — Bird-Lore, xi, i, pp. 1-3. Shailer, Laura B. 1904. Tame Hummingbirds. — Am. Ornith., iv, i, p. 31. Shailer, Minnie L. 1903. From Our Mail Bag. — Am. Ornith., iii, 2, p. 78. Shelton, G. H. 1888. Kingfishers in Winter [in Connecticut]. — Forest and Stream, xxx, p. 104. Shufeldt, Robert W., M.D. 1886. Contribution to the Comparative Osteolog}' of the Trochilid?e, Caprimulgidae, and Cypselidae. — Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1885, pp. S86-915. 1888. Morphological Studies of the Macrochires. — Lin- neaii Soc. Journ., London, xx, pp. 299-394. 1893. On the Mechanism of the Upper Mandible in the Scolopacidre. — Ibis, Oct., 1893. Smith, Clara C. 1899. The Tragedy of a Nest. — Osprey, iii, 9, 135. Smith, Elbert E. 1904. The New Year's Bird Census at Bristol. — Wilson B idle tin, No. 46, xvi, i, p. 16. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 249 Smith, Harriet S. 1905. Notes on Winter Feeding. — Bird-Lore, vii, 5, p. 240. Smith, Wilbur F. 1903. The Carolina Wren at South Norwalk, Conn. — Bird-Lore, v, 5, p. 163. 1905. An Interesting Phoebe's Nest. — Bird-Lore, vii, 2, p. 144. 1905. Blue Jays at Home. — Bird-Lore, vii, 6, p. 268. 1905. Taming a Young Cowbird. — Am. Ornith, v, 7, pp. 173-174- 1906. The Blue Jay.— Am. Ornith., vi, i, pp. 6-8. 1906. Photographing a Red-tailed Hawk's Nest. — Bird- Lore, viii, 4, p. 138. 1908. The Value of the StarVmg.— Bird-Lore, x, 2, p. 79. 1911. The Friendly House Wrens. — Bird-Lore, xiii, 3, pp. 135-140. 1911. A Strange Partnership. — Bird-Lore, xiii, 6, pp. 303-304. 1911. Notes from Connecticut. — Bird-Lore, xiii, 6, P- 307- 1912. Prothonotary Warbler in Connecticut in November. — Bird-Lore, xiv, 2, p. 109. 1912. Bird Notes from South Norwalk, Conn. — Bird- Lore, xiv, 2, p. 114. 1912. An Eagle Story. — Bird-Lore, xiv, 4, p. 228. Stannis, J. A. 1879. Rough-winged Swallow in Connecticut. — Bidl. Niitt. Orn. Club, iv, 2, p. 119. Stearns, Wilfred A. 1881. Oscines. — New England Bird Life, Part I. 1883. Non-Oscine Passeres, Birds of Prey, Game, and Water Birds. — New England Bird Life, Part II. Stone, Witmer, D.Sc. The Molting of Birds, with Special Reference to the Plumages of the Smaller Land Birds of Eastern 250 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. North America. — Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phil., Jan., 1896, pp. 108-167. Studer, Jacob H. 1903. The Birds of North America. [Young Rails (Soras) caught at Wethersfield, Conn., In June. p. 4.] T., W. G. 1885. Interesting Happenings. — Young Oologist, ii, I, p. 22. Taylor, H. H. 1895. Baird's Sandpiper on Long Island Sound [Bridge^ port, Conn.]. — Auk, xii, 2, p. 179. 1896. The Carolina Wren in Connecticut. — Auk, xiii, i, p. 84. Thayer, Gerald H. 1906. A Brief General Classification of the Songs of Eastern North American Wood Warblers. — Bird-Lore, viii, 2, pp. 64-65. Thompson, Charles A. 1883. Horned Grebe in Connecticut. — O. and 0., viii, i, P-3- Townsend, Charles W.„ M. D. 1909. A Carolina Wren Invasion of New England. — Auk, xxvi, 3, pp. 263-269. Treat, Willard E. 1886. Notes on Winter Birds of East Hartford, Conn. — Hoosier Naturalist, i, p. 129. 1886. White Eggs of the Blackbird. — O. and O., xi, 4, P- 53- 1887. Capture of Three Rare Birds near Hartford. — Axik, iv, I, p. 78. 1887. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. — Auk, iv, 3, p. 256. 1887. Spi::ella pusilla Wintering near Hartford, Conn. — Auk, iv, 3, p. 259. 1888. Helminthophila celata in Connecticut. — Auk, v, 3. P- ^^Z- No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 25I 1889. A Fishing Screech Owl. — Avik, vi, 2, p. 189. 1889. Food of the Shrike.— O. and O., xiv, 5, pp. 75-76. 1890. Mortality among Bank Swallows. — Auk, vii, i, p. 96. 1891. Anas crecca in Connecticut. — Auk, viii, i, p. 112. 1892. Ereunctes occidentalis in Connecticut. — Auk, ix, 4, p. 389. 1893. Unusual Habits of Lincoln's Sparrow. — Auk, x, 2, p. 206. 1894. Phalaropus lobatus (a correction). — Auk, xi, i, p. 74- 1895. Brunnich's Murre in Connecticut. — Atik, xii, 2, p. 177. Trotter, Spencer, M. D. 1909. The Geological and Geographical Relations of the Land-Bird Fauna of Northeastern America. — Auk, xxvi, 3, pp. 221-233. 1912. The Faunal Divisions of Eastern North America in Relation to Vegetation. — Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phil., second series, xv, pp. 207-218. Trowbridge, Prof. C. C. 1887. Something New about the Flight of Birds. — 0. and O., xii, 12, p. 202. 1894. On Motion of Tips of Bill in Certain Shore-Birds. — Ibis, Sixth Series, vi, 3, pp. 449-451. 1895. Hawk Flights in Connecticut. — Auk, xii, 3, pp. 259-270. 1897. Occurrence of Tryngites subruficollis in New England. — Auk, xiv, 2, p. 209. 1902. The Relation of Wind to Bird Migration. — Am. Nat., xxxvi, 429, pp. 735-753- 1906. On the Interlocking of Emarginate Primary Feathers in Flight. — Am. Journ. Sci., xxi, pp. 145-169. Trumbull, Gurdon. 1888. Names and Portraits of Birds which interest Gunners. 252 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. 1890. American Woodcock. — Forest and Stream, xxxv, 21, p. 412. 1892. Our Scoters. — Auk, ix, 2, pp. 153-160. 1893. Our Scoters. — Auk, x, 2, pp. 165-176. Tuttle, H. E. 191 1. The Nesting of the Whip-poor-will. — Bird-Lore, xiii, 5, pp. 235-238. Van Name, Willard G. 1888. Occurrence of the Yellow-bellied Woodpecker at New Haven, Conn. — O. and O., xiii, 9, p. 135. 1901. A Connecticut Game Preserve. — Bird-Lore, iii, 3, p. 115. Verrill, Prof. Addison E. 1865. Cliff Swallows at Windsor, Conn., in 1830. — Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., ix, p. 277. 1897. Golden Eagle taken near New Haven, Conn. — Auk, xiv, I, p. 89. Verrill, Alpheus H. 1888. The Philadelphia Vireo in Connecticut. — O. and O., xiii, 7, p. 103. 1893. Winter Birds in Connecticut. — Auk, x, 2, p. 207. 1893. Connecticut Notes. — Auk, x, 3, p. 305. 1893. Connecticut Notes. — Auk, x, 4, p. 371. Verrill, George E. 1892. Carduelis elegans in Connecticut. — Auk, ix, 3, p. 301. Voorhees, Clark G. 1893. Occurrence and Breeding of the Kentucky War- bler in Connecticut. — Auk, x, i, p. 86. 1894. Connecticut Notes. — Auk, xi, 3, p. 259. W., J. M. — See Rawson, Calvin L. Wade, Joseph M. 1881. A Tame Wild Blue Jay.— O. and O., vi, 5, p. 36. 1883. Crow and Snake. — 0. and O., viii, 2, p. 11. 1883. Blue Yellow-backed Warbler's Nest.— O. and O., viii, 2, pp. 12-13. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 253 1883. Bobolinks (editorial). — 0. and O., viii, 2, p. 14. 1883. Set of Five Great Horned Owl's Eggs taken by Dr. Wood. — 0. and O., viii, 2, p. 15. 1883. Purple Finches feeding on seeds of Tulip-poplar. — 0. and 0., viii, 6, p. 48. 1883. Woodcock and Turtle. — O. and O., viii, 8, p. 63. 1883. -Peculiar Nesting Place [Purple Martin nesting in hollow rail^. — O.Mnd O., viii, 9, p. 67. 1883. Albino Blackbird shot at Rockville, Conn. — ,0. and O., viii, 9, p. 72. 1883. Rare Finds by J. N. Clark.— O. and O., viii, 10, P- 75- 1889. Half Albino Woodcock shot near Rockville, Conn. — O. and O., xiv, 11, p. 176. • 1892. Phoebe. Bird — Pewee. — O. and O., xvii, 5, pp. 77-78. Wallace, N. 1893. Mongolian Pheasants are good Swimmers. — Forest and Stream, xl, 16, p. 338. Walter, Alice Hall. 1911. [Spread of the Starling in Connecticut]. — Bird- Lore, xiii, 4, p. 220. Watson, Amelia M. 1894. Taming a Chipping Sparrow {Spizella socialis) . — Auk, xi, 3, pp. 256-257. Webster, Frank B. 1884. Pine Grosbeaks in Connecticut. — O. and 0., ix, 3, P-33- 1890. Two Snowy Owls at Groton Long Point, Conn. — O. and O., xv, 12, p. 188. 1891. Runt Red-winged Blackbird's Egg. — O. and O., xvi, I, p. 16. 1892. A Pure White Robin shot at Stafford Springs, Conn. — 0. ayxd 0., xvii, 5, p. 79. 1893. Grosbeaks and Goshawk at Eastford, Conn. — O. and O., xviii, 2, p. 31. 254 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. Werking, F. J. 1911. Evening Grosbeaks at Taftville, Conn. — Bird-Lore^ xiii, 2, p. 94. Williams, R. W., Jr.— See Palmer, T. S. Whipple, Jennie May. — See Rawson, Calvin L. Wilson, Alexander, and Bonaparte, Charles Lucien J. L. 1832. American Ornithology. Wilson, James. 1900. Protection and Importation of Birds under Act of Congress, approved May 25, 1900. — U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Div. Biol. Surv., Circular 29. Wood, Howard L., M.D. 1901. Wedded for Life [Chimney Swift mated for five years] .-^^ Am, Ornith., i, 10, p. 194. Wood, Dr. William. 1861. Birds of Connecticut. — Hartford Times, March 16, 23, 30, April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1,8, 15, 22, 29, July 6, 20, 27, Aug. 10, 17, 24. 1868. The Mottled Owl. — Am. Nat., ii, 7, pp. 370-375. 1868. A Review of some of the Articles published in this Journal respecting the Habits and Nesting of our Birds, with additional Facts. — Am. Nat., ii, 7, pp. 377-380. 1869. Preparation of Birds' Eggs. — Am. Nat., iii, 2, pp. 106-107. 1869. The Red-tailed Hawk. — Am. Nat., iii, 8, pp. 393- 397- 1871. Migration of Hawks. — Am. Nat., iv, 12, pp. 759- 760. 1871. The Game Falcons of New England — the Duck Hawk. — Am. Nat., v, 2, pp. 80-87. 1872. Instructions for Preparing Birds' Eggs. — Am. Nat., vi, 5, pp. 281-282. 1873. The Game Falcons of New England — the Pigeon Hawk. — Am. Nat., vii, 6, pp. 340-345. 1874. The Game Falcons of New England — the Sparrow Hawk. — Am. Nat., viii, 5, pp. 266-270. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 255 1876. The Game Falcons of New England — the Goshawk. — Am. Nat, x, 3, pp. 132-135. 1878. Instructions for Preparing Birds' Eggs. — Fa- miliar Sci. and Fanciers' Journ., v, 3, pp. 51-52. 1878. The [Rapacious] Birds of Connecticut. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Journ., v., pp. G-y, 26-28, 49- 50, 73-75, 93-94, m, 132-134, 152-15S, 171-172, 191-192, 210-211, 226-227. Jt878. " Evidences of Design in Birds' Eggs." Reply. — Fatmliar Sci. and Fanciers' Journ., v, 6, p. 113. 1879. '^he [Rapacious] Birds of Connecticut. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Journ., vl., pp. 2-5, 21-22, 37- 38, 57-58, 77-79, 93-94, 109-110, 125-126, 141- 142. 1879. Eleven Bald Eagles taken in Thirteen Months. — Familiar Sci. and Fanciers' Journ., vi, 9, p. 143. 1880. Hooded Merganser. — O. and O., T, 12, p. 93. 1881. Red-headed Woodpecker. — O. and O., vi, 10, pp. 78-79. 1881. White or Snowy Owl. — Hartford Times, Dec. 14. 1882. Hatching Hawks' Eggs [under Hens]. — 0. and 0., vii, 15, p. 118. 1883. Birds of Connecticut. The Great Horned Owl. — Hartford Times, IVIay 18. 1883. Birds of Connecticut. The Mottled 0^\.— Hart- ford Times, Nov. 30. 1884. Short-eared Owl. — O. and O., ix, i, p. 10. 1884. Question Answered. "Hell-diver." — 0. and O., ix, 7, p. 89. 1885. Birds of Connecticut. The Long-eared Owl. — Hartford Times, April 20. Woodruff, E. Seymour. 1905. Notes from Northwestern Connecticut. — Auk, xxii, 4, p. 420. 1906. A Cape May Warbler in Litchfield County, Conn. — Auk, xxiii, I, p. 105. 1906. A List of the Birds of Litchfield, Conn. — LitchUeld Enquirer, Ixxxi, 3. 256 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. 1906. The Prairie Horned Lark a Summer Resident in Connecticut. — Auk, xxiii, 4, p. 461. 1906. Probable Breeding of the White-throated Sparrow in Connecticut. — Auk, xxiii, 4, p. 461. 1907. Starlings at New Haven, Conn. — Abst. Linn. Soc, N. Y., 18, p. 15. 1908. The Ruffed Grouse. A Study of the Causes of its Scarcity in 1907. — Ext. from 13th Ann Rep. Forest, Fish, and Game Commissioner, State of New York. 1908. Nesting Habits of the Henslow's Sparrow. — Bird- Lore, X, 3, pp. 111-113. Woodruff, Lewis B. 1890. Baird's Sandpiper at New Haven, Conn. — Auk, vii, I, p. 89. 1892. Bird Notes from Litchfield, Conn. — Auk, ix, 3, p. 202. Woolsey, George^ M. D. Worm-eating Warbler Breeding in Southern Con- necticut. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, v, 2, p. 116. Capture of Connecticut Warbler in Spring at New Haven. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, v. 2, p. 117. (Cf. Allen, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, 1881, p 114.) 1880. The Ipswich Sparrow at New Haven. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, v. 2, p. 121. Wright, Mabel (Osgood). 1899. Birdcraft. 1901. Bird Retreats in Connecticut. — Bird-Lore, iii, 2, p. 79. 1901. The New Bird Laws. — Bird-Lore, iii, 5, p. 180. 1905. A Year with the Birds. A Guide to the naming of 100 Birds commonly found in Connecticut. — Conn. School Document No. 4, 1905, pp. 145. 1908. A New Plan of the Connecticut Audubon Society. — Bird-Lore, x, 2, p. 89. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 257 1911. Birds and Seasons in my Garden. — Bird-Lore, xiii, I, pp. 1-7; 2, pp. 67-74; 3, pp. 128-134; 4, pp. 179-186; 5, pp. 229-235 ; 6, pp. 279-284. Zerega, Louis A. 1880. Notes on the Northern Range of the Fish Crow. — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, v, 4, p. 205. Anonymous. 1867. Natural History Miscellany. Zoology. [Introduc- tion of English Sparrow, " Forty Pairs have just been imported into New Haven."] — Am. Nat., i, 4, p. 211. 17 Part 1 1 Economic Ornithology Louis Bennett Bishop 259 Economic Ornithology. Birds are of value to the State as (i) destroyers of noxious insects, their eggs and larvae, and also of small mam- mals, especially when such injurious animals appear in exces- sive numbers ; (2) destroyers of weed seed ; (3) replanters of forests; (4) food; (5) sport; (6) scavengers; (7) guides to fishermen ; (8) means of mental enjoyment. As destroyers of insects that infest the garden, orchard, field, and forest, and consumers of enormous quantities of weed seed, birds have their greatest economic value ; and their feeding habits have been studied by ornithologists con- nected with the Department of Agriculture of the National Government and by others in similar positions in various states. Brief extracts from the results of these investigations will be found in the following pages. Suffice it here to say that only one Owl, a few Hawks, Crows, some Blackbirds, the Starling, and the English Sparrow seem undeserving of protection. But that an abundance of birds is of great benefit on the farm the following extract from " Useful Birds and their Protection " by E. H. Forbush, State Ornithologist of Massachusetts, will show : and this valuable work can be cordially recommended to all those who wish to study this subject further than is possible for us in this Bulletin. " My first attempt at availing myself of the services of the birds in an orchard was made in 1894-95, and the result was given in a bulletin issued by the State Board of Agriculture. In the winter birds were attracted to the orchard, and frequented the trees during the entire winter of 1894-95. In the fall, winter, and spring they destroyed thousands of the imagoes and eggs of the fall and spring cankerworm moths, the eggs of the tent caterpillar, and probably also the pupae and imagoes of the codling moth, besides scales, tineids, and other enemies of the trees. When spring came, efforts were made to attract the summer birds to the orchard. These attempts met with 261 262 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. such signal success that, although most of the eggs and young birds were destroyed by cats, boys, crows, and other agencies, the remaining injurious insects were so completely disposed of by the birds that the trees bore luxuriant foliage during the entire summer, and produced a good crop of fruit. This occurred in a season when the tent caterpillar and the canker- worm were remarkably prevalent. The only other orchard in the neighborhood that produced any fruit whatever was that of the nearest neighbor. This had been partly protected by tarred bands and partly by the birds from my place. Else- where in the town most of the apple trees were defoliated, and very few produced any fruit that year. While the result secured in such an exceptional year seemed remarkable, the experience of succeeding years has demonstrated that it was not so. Year after year we have kept the trees free from insect injury, without spraying or otherwise protecting the foliage, merely by a little effort and expenditure to attract the birds and furnish them safe homes. While the protection of the tree itself is essential (i. e., its trunk, limbs, twigs, and bark), the protection of its foliage, which shades the fruit and so allows it to mature, is also imperative." As regulators of occasional outbreaks of noxious animals birds have played a valuable part more than once in the past. In the invasions of locusts that occur occasionally in the West, birds of all sorts — hawks, owls, geese, ducks, grouse, pigeons, shore birds, woodpeckers, gulls, crows, blackbirds, herons, vireos, sparrows, swallows, warblers, thrushes, and even hummingbirds — swarm to the feast and devour these insects in incredible numbers. The same thing is true when the hordes of the army-worm appear. In the plagues of mice that sometimes infest parts of Europe, hawks and owls flock to the spot, and feed on little else until these animals are reduced to their normal numbers. If we wantonly destroy our hawks and owls, we lay ourselves open to such outbreaks, and have removed those whose pleasure it would be to protect us in such an emergency. The value of certain species as a source of food, and from the standpoint of sportsmen, is too well understood .to require discussion. Formerly, when Roseate Terns (Sterna dougalli) No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 263 were abundant in the Sound, fishermen could frequently ascertain the presence of bluefish by watching the actions of these birds, as they caught the smaller fish driven to the surface by the large ones; and any one who has watched the Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) swarming at the mouths of the sewers of cities, will realize their value as scavengers. How far birds help in replanting forests is questionable, but there is no doubt that Jays and Pigeons do assist somewhat by transporting acorns and the seeds of other trees. To provide mental enjoyment may not seem at first sight a part of the function of the State, but there is a large and steadily increasing body of people, valuable citizens, who derive great enjoyment from listening to the songs and studying the habits of birds, who will go where birds are and keep away where birds are not. Surely, it is more to the advantage of the state to protect birds and encourage these people to live with us than it is to allow our smaller birds to be shot for the morsel of meat their bodies may afiford. From this standpoint alone, the protection of birds is certainly a good investment for the state. Those also who are interested in birds from a scientific stand- point must not be forgotten, as from their ranks have come most of the men whose investigations of the feeding habits of birds are quoted in the following pages. As almost all ornithologists begin their study of birds by collecting skins and eggs in boy- hood — the training of the eye and ear in youth being apparently essential for success in field ornithology, — no laws making per- mits unreasonably difficult to obtain should be passed. Since under normal conditions at least twice as many birds die each year as are living at the beginning of the year, legitimate collecting can have but little effect on their numbers ; and this the killing of a few vagrant cats would ofiFset many times over. GREBES, LOONS, and AUKS. ColymbidcF, Gaviidce, and Alcidce. Of the five species of Grebes and Loons occurring more or less frequently in Connecticut, only two breed with us, and those but rarely. Their habits are entirely aquatic except in the breeding season, and even then the Grebes build floating 264 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. nests of decaying vegetation in lakes or ponds. Their food habits are such that they are of little economic importance. The food of the Loons is almost entirely small fish, while the Grebes vary this diet with aquatic insects, tadpoles, lizards, grass, locusts, and grasshoppers. The Auks are found only as stragglers in our waters, and the small fish and crustaceans they consume are of no value. JAEGERS and AIAX-O'-WAR BIRDS. Stercorariidce and Fregatidcr. Wanderers on our shores, the Jaegers find the terns on which they largely depend for food so rare that they do not stay long with us. Their ordinar}^ method of procuring food is to chase a tern or small gull until the latter drops the fish it has in its bill or disgorges what it has swallowed. This the robber seizes before it reaches the water; then searches for a fresh victim. When forced to forage for themselves, they live on fish, frogs, crawfish, and even grasshoppers. The Man-o'-War Bird (Fregata aquila) has the habits of the Jaegers, but is only accidental in our state. GULLS and TERNS. Laridends its time beating back and forth over the meadows after field mice, although it may have recourse to small birds or chickens when driven by hunger. A nest containing four young and one hatching egg, was found by the author on June 12, 1900, in a meadow at Warren not far from a farmhouse where there were many young chickens. These chickens were not dis- turbed until after June 15th, when the male was shot and sent to the author. Its stomach contained a mouse. Three days later came the female and one of the young with the statement that, as soon as the male was killed, the female began to prey on the chickens. The proofs of this were the remains of a young chicken and the shell of a robin's egg in the stomach of the female, while that of the young bird contained a mouse. Of 124 stomachs reported by Dr. Fisher, 7 contained poultry or game birds ; 34, other birds ; 57, mice ; 22, other mammals ; 7, reptiles; 2, frogs; 14, insects; i, indeterminate matter; and 8 were empty. Mr. E. T. Judd found three birds in the stomach of one shot in North Dakota, and Mr. G. V. Smith found birds in two he shot near New Haven. Of 11 stomachs examined by the author, 4 were empty; 5 contained mammals; 3, birds; i, a snake; and i, a robin's egg. Our Buzzard-hawks — Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, and Broad-winged {Buteo borealis horealis, lincatus Uneatus, and platypterus) are the birds we see sailing in wide circles high over head. They are rather sluggish in temperament, seldom catch birds and still more rarely poultry, and are among the most useful allies the agriculturist possesses in his contest with field mice and other injurious small mammals. The Broad-winged Hawk also No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 277 devours numbers of the large caterpillars so destructive to forests and shade trees. The Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks stay with us all the year, breeding in tall trees ; the former, on the hills of the interior, the latter, in the marshy woodlands near the coast; but the Broad-winged is common only for a limited time in the fall. Of 562 stomachs of the Red-tailed Hawk reported by Dr. Fisher, 54 contained poultr}^ or game birds; 51, other birds; 278, mice ; 131, other mammals ; t^J, batrachians or reptiles ; 47, insects ; 8, crawfish; i, centipeds ; 13, offal; and 89 were empty. From this study Dr. Fisher has found that at least 85 per cent of the food of this hawk is composed of injurious rodents ; which cer- tainly shows it deserves protection. Of 173 stomachs examined by Dr. Warren, 128 contained mice, and once he found 7 mice in one stomach (" Birds of Penn.," 1888, p. 86). Mr. C. L. Rawson has reported finding near Norwich in one nest of this hawk the remains of 9 red squirrels, and of 7 in another (Ornithologist and Oologist, Vol. 8, 1883, p. 17). Of five stomachs examined by the author, one was empty, and four contained mammals, chiefly squirrels. Regarding the Red-shouldered Hawk, our most common breeding species near the coast. Dr. Fisher writes, " It is ex- tremely improbable that this slow-flying Hawk often captures birds, except such as are disabled," and quotes a letter from Mr. J. Alden Loring, of Owego, Tioga County, New York : " The pair reared their young for two years in a small swampy piece of woods about 50 rods from a poultry farm which contained 800 young chickens and 400 ducks, and the keeper told me he had never seen hawks attempt to catch one." Dr. Fisher reports that, of 220 stomachs examined, 3 contained poultry; 12, other birds; 102, mice ; 40, other mammals ; 20, reptiles ; 39, batrachians ; 92, insects; 16, spiders; 7, crawfish; i, earthworms; 2, offal; 3, fish; and 14 were empty. Dr. Warren found field mice in 43 of 57 stomachs examined. Of 9 stomachs examined by the author, 5 were empty; 3 contained mammals; i, a snake; and 2, insects. About the Broad-winged Hawk, Dr. Fisher reports that, of 65 stomachs examined, 2 contained small birds; 15, mice; 13, other mammals; 11, reptiles; 13, batrachians; 30, insects; 2, earth- worms ; 4, crawfish ; and 7 were empty. Of 12 stomachs examined 2/8 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. by Dr. Warren, 4 contained mice; 3, small birds; 4, frogs; i, crawfish and traces of coleopterous insects. Of 6 stomachs ex- amined by the author, 2 contained mammals ; and all 6, insects, among which were cicadas, katydids, grasshoppers, beetles, and various large caterpillars. The Rough-legged Hawk (Archibufeo lagopus sancti- johannis) occurs with us only as a rather rare winter resident, but is altogether useful in its feeding habits. All of eleven stomachs examined by Dr. Warren contained field mice ; while, of 49 stomachs reported by Dr. Fisher, 40 contained mice ; 5, other mammals; i, lizards; i, insects; and 4 were empty. The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is only a straggler with us; and the Bald Eagle {Halicretus leucocephalus) is so rare that its food is of little importance. It feeds largely on fish, carrion, small mammals, and occasionally waterfowl. The little Sparrow Hawk {Falco sparverius s parvenus), chiefly distinguishable from the Sharp-shinned by its long and pointed wings and its habit of hovering in the air, is one of our most useful birds, as its food is principally grasshoppers. Of 320 stomachs reported by Dr. Fisher, i contained a game-bird; 53, other birds ; 89, mice ; 12, other mammals ; 12, reptiles or batrachians; 215, insects; 29, spiders; and 29 were empty. Of 65 stomachs examined by Dr. Warren, 31 contained field mice; 23, grasshoppers and beetles; 7, small birds; 2, meadowlarks ; I, a mouse and small birds; and i, insects and small birds. Of 10 stomachs examined by the author, 2 were empty ; 3 contained mammals, chiefly mice; and 5, insects, largely grasshoppers. OWLS. Strigidce. Of the six Owls occurring regularly in Connecticut, the habits of only one — the Great Horned Owl {Bubo virginianus lAr- ginianus)—2ire such as to deserve ostracism. Its strength, ferocity, and courage are great, and it has well been called the tiger of the air. One who has seen the fury gleaming from the eyes of a pair of these birds when he is at their nest has had an experience he will not soon forget. Both mammals and birds are its prey, and large ones at that; rabbits, squirrels, and skunks No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 2/9 among the former, and quail, ducks, partridges, and domestic fowls among the latter, are the chief sufferers. Large hawks, crows, and other owls also are often killed and eaten. Dr. Merriam states: "It feeds on the larger game (hares, grouse, and the like), not forgetting the poultry yard, and seems par- ticularly fond of turkeys, of which it seldom touches more than the head, if there are a plenty about. Indeed, I have known one to kill and decapitate three turkeys and several hens in a single night, leaving the bodies uninjured and fit for the table." (Mer- riam, " Birds of Connecticut," p. 67.) Dr. Fisher calls this Owl the most destructive to poultry of all our birds of prey, with the possible exception of the Goshawk and Cooper's Hawk, and quotes Dr. P. R. Hoy as writing, " The specimen in the collection of the Academy was known to carry off from one farm, in the space of a month, not less than twenty-seven individuals of various kinds of poultry before it was shot." Of the 127 stom- achs reported by him, 31 contained poultry or game birds; 8, other birds ; 13, mice ; 65, other mammals ; i, a scorpion ; i, fish ; 10, insects ; and 17 were empty. Of 16 examined l)y Dr. Warren, II contained poultry; 2, rabbits; 2, mice; i, a mammal; and i, insects. Of 3 stomachs examined by the author, i was empty ; I contained a mass of bones and feathers, including those of a Robin and Crow; and i, many small birds. In a nest containing three young just hatched, visited by him on March 9, 1904, was a dead Screech Owl and three mice. The bodies of 113 rats, chiefly killed within the last ten days, have been found under a nest of this owl containing young. Little claim has this bird to our protection, but it is rare through most of the state. Our other five Owls are all useful, some of them almost ex- clusively so, and should be afforded full protection. The Barred Owl {Strix varia varia) is next in size to the Great Horned Owl, and much more common, especially near the coast. While its food is largely the same as that of the last species, its incursions into the poultry yard are less frequent, its pursuit of game less eager, and its relish for mice and other injurious mammals far greater. A taste for small owls frequently indulged in by this species must be counted against it, as these owls are altogether useful. Dr. Fisher reports finding the remains of small owls in seven stomachs of these birds, and quotes two 28o CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SUR\^Y. [Bull. incidents of Screech Owls having thus been found by others. Several times in pellets, probably of this owl, found in the woods near New Haven, the author has noticed feathers of Screech and Saw-whet Owls, and once found the latter in the stomach of a Barred Owl. Of 109 stomachs reported by Dr. Fisher, 5 con- tained poultry or game; 13, other birds; 46, mice; 18, other mammals; 4, frogs; i, a lizard; 2, fish; 14, insects; 2, spiders; 9, crawfish ; and 20 were empty. Of 8 stomachs examined by Dr. Warren. 4 contained mice; 2, other mammals; 2, poultry; 2, other birds ; and 4, beetles. Of 14 examined by the author, 7 were empty ; 6 contained mammals — mice and squirrels ; and I, a Saw-whet Owl. The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is with us only in the fall and early spring, when it inhabits our marshes. The chief food of this bird is mice, and there are many accounts of the manner in which these owls have flocked to the infested dis- trict, when different parts of Europe have suffered with plagues of these animals. Of loi stomachs reported by Dr. Fisher, ii contained small birds ; yy, mice ; 7, other mammals ; 7, insects ; and 14 were empty. Of 1 1 stomachs reported by Dr. Warren, all contained mice; and 2, beetles. Three stomachs examined by the author in Alaska contained either mice or shrews ; and one examined by Mr. E. T. Judd in North Dakota contained a mouse and grasshoppers. But there is another side to this picture that should not be forgotten, useful on the whole as the Short-eared Owl must be considered. One stomach of a California bird examined by the author contained a blackbird ; and the stomachs of four Con- necticut birds held only birds, including a Meadowlark and spar- rows ; while at the spots these owls frequent on our salt marshes he has found many evidences of their destructiveness to birds, including once feathers of a Yellow Rail, and pellets containing those of the Meadowlark, Robin, and Towhee. Another serious deviation from a mice diet has been reported by Mr. William Brewster (Bulletin Nuttall Ornithological Club, Vol. 4, 1879, p. 19). He found in June, 1870, a small colony of these owls living among the terns of Muskeget Island, and noticed in the grass of their retreat the remains of at least 100 terns that they had killed. The breast onlv had been eaten in each instance. No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 281 More consistently useful than either of these Owls is the Long-eared Owl (Asio zvilsonianns) ; for its food is almost wholly field mice, as many as eight having been found in one stomach ; and it is deserving of most thorough protection. It is by no means common through most of the state, and is usually shot at sight. Dr. Warren writes : " I have examined the stomachs of twenty-three Long-eared Owls, and found that twenty-two of them had fed only on mice ; the other examination made of a specimen taken in the late spring, showed some beetles and portions of a small bird." Dr. Fisher reports that, of 107 stomachs examined, i contained a game-bird; 15, other birds; 84, mice; 5, other mammals; i, insects; and 15 were empty. Of 14 examined by the author, 6 were empty ; the other 8 all con- tained mammals, chiefly mice; and i, a small bird. About the villages and orchards the little Screech Owl (Otus asio osio) is by far the most abundant of our owls, and un- doubtedly helps in keeping down the number of English Spar- rows, although mice and insects are the chief diet. It has been known to kill quail and woodcock, though rarely ; and once sixteen horned pouts were found in the nest of this bird in the depth of winter. All authorities agree that its food in summer consists chiefly of insects. Mr. George C. Jones of Brookfield Center, Connecticut, writes in Dr. Fisher's work that he has found cut- worms in the stomachs of the Long-eared Owl and this species, and believes these birds the most efficient exterminators of this pest so formidable to tobacco growers. Of 255 stomachs reported by Dr. Fisher, i contained poultry; 38, other birds; 91, mice; II, other mammals; 2, lizards; 4, batrachians; i, fish; 100, in- sects ; 5, spiders ; 9, crawfish ; 2, scorpions : 2, earthworms ; 7, miscellaneous material ; and 43 were empty. Of 27 stomachs examined by Dr. Warren, 20 contained mice and insects; 5, small birds; and 2, small birds and insects. Of 7 examined by the author, 3 were empty ; 3 contained mammals, chiefly mice ; and I, insects. Our smallest owl, the Saw-whet or Acadian {Crypto glaux acadica acadica) seems to be rare throughout the state, and has only been taken at all frequently during the winter. Many of those recorded have been found dead, apparently starved. Mice are almost its only food, although an entire flying squirrel has \ 282 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. been reported in the stomach of this bird. Of 22 stomachs re- ported by Dr. Fisher, 17 contained mice; i, a bird; i, an insect; and 3 were empty. Of 4 stomachs examined by the author, 3 contained mice; and i was empty. The Snowy Owl (Nyctea nyctea) is a rare winter resident in the state, most common near the seashore. Dr. Fisher finds it a useful bird. Of 38 stomachs examined by him, 2 contained game birds; 9, other birds; 18, mice; 2, other mammals; and 12 were empty. CUCKOOS. Cticulidce. Especially deserving of protection are our Cuckoos, the Black-billed (Coccysus erythrophthalmus), and the Yellow- billed (Coccycus americanus americanus) ; as they feed chiefly on the caterpillars that infest the trees of the woods and orchards, and are among the few birds that eat the hairy species. " In fact, cuckoos eat so many hairy caterpillars that the hairs pierce the inner lining of the stomach and remain there, so that, when the stomach is opened and turned inside out, it appears to be lined with a thin coating of fur." (Beal, " Some Common Birds in Relation to Agriculture.") " The insect food of cuckoos consists of beetles, grasshoppers, cicadas, bugs, ants, wasps, flies, caterpillars, and spiders, of which grasshoppers and caterpillars constitute more than three-fourths. The great majority of the insects found in the stomachs were harmful kinds. Caterpillars, katydids, and tree crickets are exactly the prey that cuckoos might be expected to secure, from their peculiar method of hunting in foliage ; while the large num- bers of grasshoppers eaten furnish additional proof of the fact so often illustrated that birds are particularly fond of grass- hoppers, and that species not naturally ground feeders become so during the grasshopper season. " It is a matter of common observation that cuckoos feed largely on caterpillars; and stomach investigations not only con- firm this, but show that, unlike most other birds, they eat freely of hairy and bristly species. Nearly half of the cuckoo's food was found to be caterpillars. An attempt was made to obtain an approximate idea of the actual number in the stomachs by No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 283 counting the heads and jaws; but in many cases this was nearly- impossible, as many of the insects were very young- and the jaws consequently minute. The result of this estimate, however, showed that no less than 2,771 caterpillars were contained in 129 stomachs, or an average of more than 21 in each. If the whole number of stomachs (155) is considered, the average is reduced to 18; and it is absolutely certain that this is much below the actual number. " During May and June, when tent caterpillars are defoliating the fruit trees, these insects constitute half of the Cuckoo's food. When Cuckoos visit the nest of the tent caterpillars they ap- parently eat as many of the occupants as possible. Most of the stomachs that contained the larvse at all were filled with them, some having more than 100 individuals." (Beal, " The Food of Cuckoos.") " An examination of the stomachs of 16 Black-billed Cuckoos, taken during the summer months, showed the remains of 328 caterpillars, 11 beetles, 15 grasshoppers, 63 sawflies, 3 stink-bugs, and 4 spiders." " Of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 21 stomachs, col- lected from May to October, inclusive, were examined. The contents consisted of 355 caterpillars, 18 beetles, 23 grasshoppers, 31 sawflies, 14 bugs, 6 flies, and 12 spiders. As in the case of the Black-billed Cuckoo, most of the caterpillars belonged to hairy species, and many of them were of large size." (Beal, " Some Common Birds in their relation to Agriculture.") KINGFISHERS. AlcedinidcE. The Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle aicyon) feeds chiefly on small fish, the vast majority of which are of no economic value. Mice, frogs, and grasshoppers are also said to be occasionally captured, and the young are fed with various aquatic insects. (Weed and Dearborn, " Birds in their Relation to Man.") Its chief value, however, is an aesthetic one, the boldly marked form and noisy rattle adding interest to the shore of lake, river, and sound. 284 COXXECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull. WOODPECKERS. Picidcp. Of the four Woodpeckers that now ocair in any numbers in Connecticut, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker {Sphyrapicus farius varius) is the only harmful species ; and it is with us only as a tolerably common spring and fall migrant. This is the species that drills the series of small circular openings so often found on the trunks of apple trees, to eat the inner layer of bark and drink the sap that exudes into these tiny cups. Birches and the moun- tain ash are favorites with this bird, on account of their abun- dant sweet sap; and the trees are sometimes killed by too per- sistent tapping. In the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota the author has noticed that most of the larger birches that showed e^-idences of this bird's work were dead at the top. But not alone for the sap and bark does the sapsucker drill these holes ; he has a choice feast from the insects that are attracted (Merriam, Bulletin Xiittall Ornithological Club, Vol. 4, 1879. p. 3). A cer- tain amount of insect food is necessan,- to the species at least in youth ; for young birds fed as exclusively as possible on a diet of maple syrup died with the symptoms of starvation, and the stomachs