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Illinois State Laboratory 

OF 

NATURAL HISTORY 
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Bulle'ti11 No. 4 . 

.\ L\TALOGll OF THE BIRDS OF ILLIXOIS. 

BY 

ROBERT RIDGWAY. 

BLOOMINGTON, ILL.: 

Pantagraph Printing anc! Binding Establishment . 

...ll...t Y. 18�1 . 

.......... � ......... . 

II 





REVISED CATALOGUE

OF THE

BIRDS

Ascertained to Occur in Illinois.

By ROBERT RIDGWAY.

Bloomington, III. :

pantagraph printing establishment.

1881.



N



PREFACE.

The present catalogue, although based essentially upon the

list published in 1874, in the Annals of the Lyceum of Natural

History of ]^ew York (vol, x. pp. 364—94) is rendered much
more complete by the addition of nearly thirty species, and
man}' facts which have been brought to light by subsequent

investigations. The most important sources from which this

additional information has been derived are the several lists of

Illinois birds pubhshed by my friend Mr. E. W. Nelson, i of

Chicago (now U. S. Signal Observer at St. Michaels, Alaska),

but I have also been furnished with many interesting facts

through correspondence with persons actively engaged in the

'study of the ornithology of the state, among whom I may
especially mention Dr. J. W. Velie, of the Chicago Academy of

Sciences, Mr. H. K. Coale, of Chicago, and Mr. C. K. Worthen,

of Warsaw; the information thus derived being duly acknowl-

edged in the proper places.

To the 311 species of the catalogue of 1S74, there are here

added 31, which would bring the total number known to occur

in Illinois up to 342 were it not for the fact that one species

(PodlGeps cristatus) was included upon erroneous information,

and is therefore eliminated. Of the 341 species enumerated

herein, no less than 213 are positively ascertained to breed

within the limits of the state. Not a single species has been

included except upon good authority, while, on the other hand,

several are excluded on account of not having been actually cap-

tured within the state, though some of them have been secured

near Racine, Wisconsin, in the extreme southeastern corner

of Wisconsin, rendering it therefore extremely ])robable that

individuals of the species in question have at one time or another

iFor the titles of these, see pp. 168-170.



164 Preface.

visited Illinois territory. A few species (<?. g. Pica rustica had-

sonica and Lagopus alhus) are given upon the authority of Mr.

Kobert Kennicott, but have not been noted by any subsequent

observer. They may not now occur in Illinois, but this does

not, however, affect the validity of Mr Kennicott's record, which

cannot be passed over on the strength of purely negative

evidence.

In the catalogue of 1874 I gave a list of 48 species "to be

looked for" in Illinois, and which it was stated would ''no doubt

be yet found to occur within the limits of the state." Of these

no less than 15 have already been taken or observed, besides

four [Dlchromajiassa rufa^ -^j'^'']''-'' 'i^osea, Pelecanus ftisous and

Stercorarius parasiticus) whose occurence had not been antici-

pated. We may therefore look with confidence to the capture

of the remaining species of the list, when the extreme southern

and northwestern borders of the state have been more thoroughly

explored.

As may be seen from an examination of the following cata-

logue, the avian-fauna of Illinois is exceedingly rich and varied,

probably no inland state or territory, not traversed by lofty

mountain ranges, being equal to Illinois in this respect. This

great richness and diversity of bird-life results primarily from

two causes,—the central position of the state geographically,

and its great extent from north to south. The variety' of surface

which the state presents in different sections, notwithstanding

the prevalence of large prairies, is also an important factor,

no state, perhaps, east of the Pacific slope presenting greater

contrasts of this kind. Stretching through nearly six degrees

of latitude, the climates of the northern and southern portions

are very diverse, the advent of spring, as determined by the

first flowering and leafing of identical plants, averaging fully six

weeks earlier near the Ohio river than in the vicinity of Chicago.*

§The difference in climate between Cairo and Chicago, as determined by the U. S.
Signal Bureau, is as follows:



Preface. 165

The two opposite sections of the state also dilFer essentially in

the natural products of the soil,—the southern being clothed

with almost continuous forests, which in the bottom-lands are

remarkable for massiveness ofgrowth and great variety of species,

while in the central and northern portions extensive prairies

largely prevail. Indeed, it is difficult to conceive of more com-

plete contrast than that afforded by the cypress swamps, cane-

brakes, and almost tropical luxuriance of vegetation of the

southern bottom forests, on the one hand, and the extensive, mon-

otonous northern prairies on the other. Intervening districts pre-

sent every conceivable combination of^:>rairie and woodland, while

particular sections possess special features, such as the line of high

precipitous bluffs along part of the western border, the romantic,

almost mountainous range of rugged hills traversing the

southern portion, from east to west, and tlie hilly region

northwestward. The prairies of central and northern Illinois

being a moditied continuation of the "Great Plains," a consid-

erable number of birds characteristic of, or peculiar to, the

"Campestrian District," together with others common to the

whole of the Western Region, are thus brought into contact with

eastern woodland forms; while the proximity of the Great

Lakes, on the northeast, secures the presence of many species

formerly considered of purely maritime or littoral habitat,

but which in reality occur, at one season or another, on

many of the larger streams of this inland state. Considering

also in this connection the very large preponderance of the

southern element in that portion of the state lying south of the

parallel of 39° (approximately), and also the influx of northern

forms during the winter season, it may be seen that no less than

five distinct faunae overlap on the area included within the

boundaries of the state of Illinois,—the eastern, which, in its

purity, of course largely predominates; the maritime and

littoral, by way of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence ; the

boreal, coming down from the high north in winter; the western,

extending eastward across the prairies to the border of the

wooded country; and, lastly, the southern, or "Austroriparian"

fauna, a very considerable element of which extends up the

Mississippi valley to at least the 38th parallel of north latitude.



166 Preface.

The bird-fauna of Illinois, as at present understood,

embraces members of 17 "orders" (according to the latest and

most improved classifications), 51 families, 225 genera, and 339

species. The subjoined tables are intended to show the relative

number of species by which each family is represented, in

numerical order.



Table of FainlJieft of Birds represented in the Avian-fauna of Illinois, f/iren

in order of numbers of species.

1. Fring-illidiV
2. Anatidit' . .

3. Mniotiltida-
4. Scolopaeidie
5. Falconidii*
6. Ijaridie .

7. Icteridie .

8. Strig-idii' .

9. Ardoidie .

10. TyraiinidiO
11. Turdidii? .

12. Picidie .

13. Rallidn? .

VireonidiC
Trog-lodytida
Hirundinidvc
CharadriidiC
ParidiC . .

,

CorvidiB . .

20. TetraonidiT? .

21. Podicipitidie
22. Sylviid:e
23. CapriraulgidiT^
24. Phalaropodidie
25. ColymbidiC
26. Saxicolidic .

27. Sittidie . .

Laniidte 3
AmpolidiV 2
Taiiatrrida' 2
("iK'iili<la' 2
CathartidiO 2
ColuinbidcB 2
Ibididse 2
RecurvirostridiB 2
GruidiP 2
PelccanidEE 2
Phalacrocoracidse 3
Stcreiirariida;
I'tilofronatidse
('(rthii(tii- .

Motacillida-
AlaiKliila" .

rochilidie

1

1

1
1

1

Cypselidie 1
"

1

1

1

Alcedinidie
Psittacidie
Meleagrida?
Perdicida*
CiconiidtC
Platalci(l-,p

ytl-cpsilul;u
Plotc'idif

Total number of species and races, 352

The number of Species belonging to each Famihf ivluclt breed in the slate are

as foUoivs

:

Mniotiltidae 25 species
Fring-illidte 23
FalconidiB 17

Anatidte 15
Ardeidfe !)

Scolopacidte 9

Icteridje 9
Rallidae «

TurdidiC 7

Tyrannidae 7

Picidas 7

Strisidae 7
Hirundinid;B (i

Vlreonidie ti

Troglodytidas 5

Charadriidie :!

LaridiE 4

Paridae 3
CorvidiB 3
Tetnionidic 3
(!!aprimulgidae 3
Sittidie :-'

Laniidae :.'

Tanafrridrtj ;,'

Cuculidae 2 species
Cathartidae 2 "

ColumbidiC 2 "

Recurvirostridie 2 "

Gruidie 2 "

Podicipitidas 2 "

SaxicoIidiB 1
"

SylviidiB 1
"

LaniidiB 1
"

Ampelida? 1
"

AlaudidiB 1
"

'I'rochilidiB 1
"

CypselidHi 1
"

AleedinidiE 1
"

Psittacida; 1
"

MeleasridiB 1
"

PerdifidiB 2 "

Ciconiidte 1
"

PtialaropodidiB 1
"

Plialaorocoracidii' 1
"

Hiotcidte 1
"

ColyniliidiB 1
"

Total, 2l3.spefios



Bl BLIOGRAPHY

The following list of papers referring particularly to Illinois ornithology

is believed to be nearly complete up to date.

1853-4.

1. Le Baron, Dr. Wm.—Observations upon some of the birds of Illinois

most interesting to the agriculturist. < Trans. III. State Agric. Soc, I., 1853,

p. 559-65. [A general notice of the common birds of the state, of considerable

popular and economic interest.]

1855.

2. Pratten, Henry.—Catalogue of the birds of [southern] Illinois [Wayne
and Edwards counties.] < Trans. III. State Agric. Soc., I. (for 1853-5), p. 598-

609. [184 species.]

3. Kennicott, Robert.— Catalogue of the animals observed in Cook

county, Illinois. [Birds.] <Trans. III. State Agric. Soc, I. (for 1853-5), pp.

580-9. [187 species.]

5. Kennicott, R.—Species observed in the middle and southern portions

of the State which are not given in Mr. Pratten's catalogue of the birds of

Southern Illinois. <Trans. III. State Agric. Soc, I. (for 1853-5), pp. 589-91.

1856.

5. Kennicott, R.—Notes of the Occurrence of Plotus aiihinga and Tan-

talus loculator in Southern Illinois. <Pr. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., V., 1856, p.

391.

1857.

6. Brendel, F.—Vogel der Umgegend Peoria's in Illinois. <GieheVs

Zeitsch fiir Natnriv., 1857, p. 420. [Not seen by me.]

1859-60.

7. Holder, R. H —Birds of Illinois. < Trans. III. State Agric. Soc, IV.,

1859-60, pp. 605-13. [A nominal list of 247 species.]

1868.

8. Allen, J. A.—[Some remai-ks upon the birds of Iowa and Illinois, read

by the secretary of the Society.] <Pr. Boston Soc Nat. Hist., XII., 1868, p. 85.

9. Allen, .1. A.—Notes on birds observed in Northern Illinois, in June,

1867. <Meni. Boston Soc Nat. Hist., I., 1868, pp. 502-22. [94 species.]



Bibliography. 169

1872.

10. RiDGW.vY. Robert.—New birds in Southern Illinois. <Am. Nat.,

July, 1872, pp. 430-31. {Vireo belli, Peuccea cesticalis, Cyanospiza ciris, As-

furnia plagiata and Falco i)oli/(ic/rHs added to the fauna of the state (Fox Prai-

rie, Richland county).]

1.S73.

11. RiuGWAY, Robert.—The Prairie Birds of Southern lUinois. <A)H.

Xat., VII., April, 1873, pp. 197-203. [Based on observations made on Fox Prai-

rie. Richland county, in June and August, 1871.]

1874.

12. RiD(i\VAY, Robert.— Catalogue of the birds ascertained to occur in

Illinois. <Ann. L'/c. Xat. Hist., N. Y., X.. January, 1874, pp. 364-94. [A list

of 311 species, with range of each within the state approximately indicated.]

13. Ridgway. Robert.—The Lower Wabash valley, considered in its rela-

tion to the Faunal Districts of the Eastern Region of North America. With a

synopsis of its Avian Fauna. <Pr. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., XVI., February 18,

1874, pp. .

"GENERAL SUMMARY."
["Found irrespective of season, . . . . . . . .77
Found only in summer, ......... 92
Found only in winter, .......... 47
Found only in spring and fall, ........ 73

Total number of species, ..... 288

Number of species breeding, about . . . . . . 155
Number of species wintering, about ...... 155"]

14. CoTJES, E.—Birds of Illinois. < Field and Stream {Chicago), May 2,

1874.' [A review of Ridgway 's "Catalogue of the Birds ascertained to occur in

Illinois," in Ann. Lye. N. Y., January, 1874, pp. 364-94.]

1876.

15. Nelson, E. W.—Additions to the Avi-fauna of Illinois, with notes on

other species of Illinois birds. <BiiU. Niitt. Oni. Cliih, I., No. 2, July, 1876,

pp. 39-44. [The species added iive,Myiadesies /o/<'«se«rfi, Waukegan, Decem-

ber 16, 1876; Coturnicidus lecontei, Riverdale, May 13, 1875; Ammodromns cau-

dacutus var. nelsoni, Calumet Lake, &c., June, September, November; ''Chor-

deiles 2>opetue var. ^e>?ry«," Waukegan, July, 1875; Buteo borealis var. calunis,

near Chicago, April, 1873; Ardea rufa, near Cairo, August, 1875.]

16. Nelsox, E. W.—Notes upon birds observed in Southern Illinois, be-

tween July 17. and September 4, 1875. < Bull. Essex Inst., IX., 1876, pp. 32-65.

[Includes lists of the species observed at the following localities: Mt. Carinel

and vicinity, July 17—September4 (pp. 32-46; 113 species); Fox Prairie, Rich-

land county, (pp. 47-50; 64 species); Cairo and vicinity, August 17-31 (pp.

50-61; 79 species); vicinity of Anna, Union county (pp. 61-4; 83 species).

Total number of species obsei-ved at the four localities, 133. J

17. Nelson, E. W.—Birds of Northeastern Illinois, <Bull. Essex Inst.,

VIII., December, 1876, pp. 90-155. [316 species and 12 additional "races;"

B



170 Bibliography.

180 species breed (?); 24 occur in summer, but are not known to breed; 69

occur only during the migrations; 76 are winter visitants and residents. A list

is given of 16 species "not given in the preceding list," but which are known

to occur in Illinois—making a total of 332 species known to occur in the state,

exclusive of geographical races.]

1877.

18. Jones, W. L.—Arrivals of birds [at Lebanon, Illinois.] < Field and

Forest, III., No. 1, July, 1877, pp. 17-18.

19. COALE, H. K.—Junco oregonus in Illinois. <BuU. Nutt. Orn. Club,

II., July, 1877, p. 82. [Near Chicago, October 14, 1875; one specimen.]

20. " W. B." (William Brewster.)—Nelson's "Birds of Northeastern Ill-

inois." <Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, II., July, 1877, pp. 68-9. [Synopsis of paper

in Bull. Essex Inst.]

. 21. CoALE, Henry K.—MacCown's Longspur in Illinois. <Biill. Nutt.

Orn. Club, April, 1877, p. 52. [Champaign, 111., January 15; 3 specimens.]

22. J. A. A. (J. A. Allen.)—Birds of Southern Illinois. <Bull. Nutt.

Orn. Club, January, 1878, p. 36. [Review of Nelson's Catalogue (No. 16).]

1878.

23. RiDGWAY, Robert.—Notes on Birds observed at Mt. Carmel, Southern

Illinois, in the spring of 1878. <BhII. Nutt. Orn. Club, October, 1878, pp. 162-

166. [Twenty-five species mentioned, of which two, Helinaia swainsoni (?)

and Ibis alba are new to the fauna of the state.]

1879.

24. RiDGWAY, Robert.—On a new species of Peuccea from Southern Ill-

inois and central Texas. <Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, October, 1879, pp. 218-22.

[P . illmoensis .]

1880.

25. RiDGWAY, Robert.—The Northern Waxwing {Ampelis garrulus) in

Southern Illinois. <Bull.Nutt. Orn. Club, April, 1880, p. 118. [Pulaski county,

December 18, 1879; S. A. Forbes.]

26. WiDMANN, Otto.—Notes on Birds of St. Louis, Mo. <Bull. Nutt.

Orn. Club, July, 1880, p. 191. [Relates in great part to birds of Illinois, imme-

diately opposite St. Louis.]



Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

[Note.—The nomenclature of this list accords with that of the new catalogue of

North American birds soon to be published by the Smithsonian Institution. The as-

terisk prefixed to a number indicates that the species is known to breed in the state

of Illinois.]

Order PASSERES.
{Osci>ies.)

Family TUEDID^E.—Tliruslies.

Genus Hylociciila, Baird.

,' *\ . H. nmstelina (Gmel.) Baird. Wood Thrush. Summer sojourner;

abundant.

*2. H. fuscescens (Steph.) Baird. Wilson's Thrush. Transient south-

ward; summer sojourner in northern portion.

3. H. alicice, Baird. Gray-cheeked Thrush. Transient.

*4. H. nstulata swainsoni (Caban.) Ridgw. Olive-backed Thrush. Tran-

sient, but a few breeding in extreme northern portion.

5. H. iinalascce j:'^ ??««' (Caban.) Ridgw. Hermit Thrush. Transient,

but sometimes wintering in southern counties.

Genus Merula, Leach.

*6. M. migratoria (Linn.) Sw. & Rich. American Robin. Resident south-

ward, mainly summer sojourner northward.

Genus Minus, Boie.

*7. M. pohjglottus (Linn.) Boie. Mockingbird. Entire state, but very

local, even in southern portion, where resident.

Genus Galeoscoptes, Cabanis.

*8 6r. c«roZmensJs (Linn.) Caban. Catbird. Summer sojourner; occasion-

ally wintering southward.

Genus Hakporhynchus, Cabanis.

*9 H. rufns (Linn.) Caban. Brown Thrasher. Summer sojourner; some-

times wintering in southern counties.



172 Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

Family SAXICOLIDtE.—Stonechats and Bluebirds.

Genus SiALiA, Swainson.

*10. Sialia sicilis (Linn.) Haldem. Bluebird. Resident and generally

distributed; less numerous, and sometimes-absent, in winter.

11. S. arctica. Swains. Rocky Mountain Bluebird. Accidental visitor.

(East side of Mississippi river, opposite Dubuque, Iowa; fide E. W. Nelson,
Bull. Essex Inst., VIII., 1876, p. 95.)

Family PTILOGONATID^.—Fly-catching Thrushes.

Genus Myiadestes, Swainson.

12. M. toivnsendi (Aud.) Caban. Townsend's Solitnire. Accidental visitor.

(Waukegan, December 16, 1875; cf. Nelson, Pr. Essex Inst., VIII., 1876. p. 94.)

Family SYLYIID^.—True Warblers.

Genus Polioptila, Sclater.

1*13. P . coTidea {h\xm.) ^cl. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Summer sojourner;

abundant, southward.

Genus Regulus, Cuvier.

14. R. calendula (Linn.) Licht. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Transient; win-

ter sojourner southward.

15. R. satrapci, Licht. Golden-crowned Kinglet. Transient northward,

winter sojourner southward.

Family PARIDJ]].—Titmice or Chickadees.

Genus LoPHOPHANES, Kaup.

*16. L. bicolor (Linn.) Bp. Tufted Titmouse. Resident; rare northward

(where said by Nelson to occur only during fall and winter), but in some south-

ern counties perhaps the most abundant bird.

Genus Pakus, Linn.

' l'f'*n. p. atricapillus, Linn. Black-capped Chickadee. Northern portion;

resident, but not numerous in winter.

*18. P. carolhieiisis, Aud. Carolina Chickadee. Whole state, but rare

northward, where found only in summer ( V); southward the only species, except

perhaps in winter; abundant, and resident.

19. P. hndsonicus, Forst. Hudson's Bay Chickadee. Very rare winter

visitant to extreme northern portion. (Rock Island, fide Nelson, Bull. Essex

Inst., VII., December, 1876, p. 95.)

Family SITTID^.—Nuthatches.

Genus Sitta, Linnteus.

// ^^ *20. S. carolinensis, Linn, White-bellied Nuthatch. Resident.

*21. S. canadensis, Linn. Red-bellied Nuthatch. Winter sojourner south-

ward; breeds sparingly in extreme northern portion (Nelson).



Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. 173

Funiily CERTHIID^. —Creepers.

Genus Certiiia, Linnicus.

22. C. familiai-is ritfa (Bartr.) Ridgw. American Brown Creeper. Chiefly

transient; winter sojourner southward; possibly breeding northward.

Family TROGLODYTID^.—Wrens.
Genus Thryothokus, Vieillot.

*23. T. ludovicianiis (Gni.) Bp. ' Great Carolina Wren. Resident and

abundant southward; " rare summer visitant " northward (Nelson).

Genus TiiRYOJrANES, Sclater.

*24. T. hewicki (Aud.) Baird. Bewick's Wren. In southern counties

abundant and resident, being the common, and in many localities the only,

"house wren." More rare, and merely summer resident, northward.

Genus Troglodytes, Vieillot.

// *25. T. aedon,Yiei\L House Wren. Northern and central portions. Ap-

parently entirely absent in many localities southward, where replaced by

Bewick's Wren.

25rt. T.aedon parkmanni [And.) Coues, Parkmann's Wren. [Several speci-

mens, from Hyde Park, in the collection of Mr. H. K. Coale, of Chicago, appear

to be indistinguishable from typical examples of this western race.]

Genus Anortiiura, Rennie.

26. A . troglodytes %emffiKs (Vieill.) Coues. Winter Wren. Winter so-

journer.

Genus Telhatodytes, Cabanis.

*27. T.ixilustris (Wils.) Baird. Long-billed Marsh Wren. Resident

(occasionally, at least) southward; summer sojourner northward.

Genus Cistotiiorus, Cabanis.

*28. C. stellaris (Licht.) Caban. Short-billed Marsh Wren. Summer
sojourner northward; resident in southern counties. Frequents chiefly the

praiiie sloughs, but nearly everywhere much rarer than the preceding.

Family MOTACILLID^.—Wagtails and Titlarks.

Genus Anthus, Bechstein.

29. A. ludovickmus [G:m.Q\.)lAch.i. American Titlark. Transient visitor;

sometimes winter sojourner southward.

Family MNIOTILTID^.—American Warblers.

Genus Mniotilta, Vieillot.

*30. 3/. rarm (Linn.) Vieill. Black and White Creeper. Summer sojourner.



174: Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

Genus Protonotaeia, Baird.

*31. P. citrea (Bodd.) Baird. Prothonotary Warbler. Summer sojourner.

Abundant in southern counties; rare northward. Found chiefly in wooded

swamps or the border of ponds in wooded bottoms.

Genus Helon/EA, Audubon.

*32. H. sicainsom, Aud. Swainson's Warbler. Believed to be a rather

rare summer sojourner in cypress swamps of the extreme southern part of the

state. (See Bull. Nutt. Orn, Club, October 1878, p. 163.)

Genus HBLMiNxnoTHERus, Raflnesque.

*33. H. vermivorus (Gm.) Salv. & Godm. Worm-eating Warbler. Sum-

mer sojourner. Rare northward, but common in southern counties.

Genus Helminthophaga, Cabanis.

*34, H. 2nnus (Linn.) Baird. Blue-wing-ed Yellow Warbler. Summer
sojourner, and abundant (locally) in southern portion; not yet recorded from

northern portion of the state.

*35. H. chrysoptera (Linn.) Baird. Golden-winged Warbler. Chiefly

transient, but a rare summer sojourner in semi-prairie districts of central and

northern portions of the state, where it breeds sparingly.

*36. H. rujicapxlla (Wilson) Baird. Nashville Warbler. Summer sojourner

northward; transient southward.

37. H. celata (Say.) Baird. Orange-crowned Warbler. Transient; com-

mon some seasons.

38. H. 2)eregri]ia (Wilson) Baird. Tennessee Warbler. Transient.

Genus Parula, Bonaparte.

*39. P. americana (Linn.) Bp. Blue Yellow -backed Warbler. Summer
sojourner; breeds throughout the state.

Genus Perissoglossa, Baird.

40. P. tigrina (Gmel.) Baird. Cape May Warbler. Transient.

Genus Dendrceca, Gray.

/ *41. D. r^sffra (Gmel.) Baird. Summer Yellow Bird. Summer sojourner.

The most familiar and generally dispersed member of the entire family. Famil-

iarly known, in many sections, as the " Wild Canary."

42. D. ccprulescem (Linn.) Baird. Black-throated Blue Warbler. Transient.

43. D. coronata {Lima..) Grsbj. Yellow-rump Warbler. Winter sojourner

southward; transient northward.

44. D. maculosa (Gmel.) Baird. Black and Yellow Warbler. Transient.

///*45. D. coynt^ea (Wilson) Baird. Cerulean Warbler. Summer sojourner;

rare northward, but very abundant southward, where it is by far the most

numerous of the species which remain to breed; inhabits the woods of tall trees,

chiefly in bottom-lands, and therefore scarcely known except to the collector.

*46. D. pennsylvanica (Linn.) Baird. Chestnut-sided Warbler. Summer
sojourner in northern and central portions; transient in southern counties.



Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. 175

47. D. castanea (Wils.) Baird. Bay-breasted Warbler. Transient.

48. D. striata (Forst.) Bakd. Black-poll Warbler. Transient.

49. D. blackbiirniu' (Gmel.) Baird. Blackburnian Warbler. Transient.

*50. D. dominica albilora, Baird. White-browed Yellow-throated Warbler.

Summer sojourner; abundant, locally, southward, where frequenting chiefly the

banks of streams in heavily wooded districts.

*51. D. virens (Gmel.) Baird. Black-throated Green Warbler. Transient,

a few breeding in extreme northern portion ijide Nelson).

*52. Z). ^jiHHs (Wils.) Baird. Creeping Pine Warbler. Summer sojourner;

in the southern counties breeds in woods of deciduous trees, and occasionally

winters.

53. D. palmarum (Gmel.) Baird. Red-poll Warbler. Transient. 'Some-

times wintering southward.

*54. D. discolor (Vieill.) Baird. Prairie Warbler. Summer sojourner.

One of the least common species, frequenting chiefly the oak "barrens, " or other

localities covered with a stunted growth.

Genus SiURUS, Swainson.

*55. S. aurocapillus (Linn.) Swains. Golden-crown Thi'ush. Summer
sojourner.

*56. S. ncevius (Bodd.) Coues. Small-billed Water Thrush; " Water Wag-
tail." Transient; sometimes wintering in southern counties, and breeding

sparingly in extreme northern counties [fide Nelson.)

*57. S.motacilla (Vieill.) Coues. Large-billed Water Thrush; "Water
Wagtail." Summer sojourner; abundant southward, rare northward.

Genus Oporornis, Baird.

58. 0. agilis (Wilson) Baird. Connecticut Warbler. Transient.

*59. 0./ormos« (Wilson) Baird. Kentucky Warbler. Summer sojourner;

very abundant southward

.

Genus Geothlypis, Cabanis.

*60. G. j)kiladelphia (Wilson) Baird. Mourning Warbler. Chiefly tran-

sient, but a rare summer sojourner in certain localities, even south of the paral-

lel of 39°. Commonest in migrations, however, and breeding very spaiingly.

*61. G^. /r/c/jas (Linn.) Caban. Maryland Yellow- throat. Summer sojourner.

An abundant, familiar, and generally diffused species, partial to thickets

and brier-patches.

Genus IcTERiA, Vieillot.

*62. I. virens (Linn.) Baird. Yellow-breasted Chat. Summer sojourner;

rare northward. Usually a companion of the preceding, and distinguished for

oddity and variety of its notes ; hence, sometimes called " Yellow Mockingbird.

"

Genus Myiodioctes, Audubon.

*63. M. mitratiis (Gmel.) Aud. Hooded Warbler. Summer sojourner;

rare northward

.

64. 3/. ^J!f.si7?!<s (Wilson) Bp. Black-capped Yellow Warbler. Transient.

*65. iT/. c«»rtcZens/s (Linn.) Aud. Canadian Fly-catching Warbler. Tran-

sient, except in extreme northern portion, where breeding.



176 Catalogue of the Birdn of Illinois.

Genus Setophaga, Swainson.

/*66. S. raticilla (Linn.) Sw. American Redstarh. Summer sojourner;

abundant and generally distributed. Easily recognized by its fan-shaped tail

of black and red or yellow, in large patches; the male distinguished for his

pretty plumage of black and orange-red.

Family VIEEONID^.—Yireos or Greenlets.

Genus Vireosylvia, Bonaparte.

/*67. F. oZwffceff (Linn.) Bp. Red-eyed Vireo. Summer sojourner.

*68. V. philadelphica, Cassin. Philadelphia "Vireo. Transient; a few

breeding in the extreme northern part of the state. A not uncommon, but not

a well-known species, greatly resembling the succeeding, but distinguished by

the absence of a spurious primary, and by the decidedly sulphur-yellow tinge

of the throat and breast.

*69. F. fjili'a (Vieill.) Cass. Warbling Vireo. Summer sojourner.

Genus Lanivireo, Baird.

*70. L. flavifrons (Vieill.) Baird. Yellow-throated Vireo. Summer
sojourner.

71. L. solitarius (Vieill.) Baird. Solitary Vireo. Transient; possibly

breeding northward.

Genus Vireo, Vieillot.

*72. V. noveboracensis {Gxael.)!^^. White-eyed Vireo. Summer sojourner.

A denizen of hazel-patches and open thickets; distinguished for its odd notes.

*73. F. hellii, Aud. Bell's Vireo. Summer sojourner. Much like the last

in habits and notes, but chiefly confined to the prairie districts, and resembling

a miniature Vireosylvia giloa in colors.

Family LANIIDJ]].—Shrikes.

Genus Lanius, Linnaeus.

/ 74. L. horealis, Vieill. Great Northern Shrike. Irregular winter visitant;

possibly breeding sparingly in northern counties.

*75. L. ludovicianus, Linn. Loggerhead Shrike. Resident: In many local-

ities known as the " Mockingbird," from the great similarity in its general

appearance to Mhmis polyglottus. Frequents much the same localities as the

latter.

*lha. L. ludovicianus excuhitorides (Swains.) Coues. White-rumped
Shrike. A mere variety of the preceding, having lighter colors, with the upper

tail-coverts approaching white in color. Found with the preceding, and per-

haps the prevailing form on the prairies.

Family AMPELID^.—Wax-wings.
Genus Ampelis, Linnasus.

76. A. f/an-ulus, Linn. Northern Wax-wing. Winter visitant chiefly to

extreme northern counties; of irregular occurrence, even in northern portions;

merely casual southward.



Catalogue of the Birch of Illinois. 177

/•*11. A. cechvniiii, Vieill. Cedar Wax- wing. Resident, except southward,

where chiefly winter sojourner.

Family HIRUNDINIDJE.—Swallows.

Genus Progne, Boie.

*78. P. suhis (Linn.) Baird. Purple Martin. Summer sojourner.

Genus Petrochelidon, Cabanis.

*79. P. lunifroHs (Say.) Lawr. Cliff" Swallow. Summer sojourner. Much
like the barn swallow in greneral appearance and habits, but distinguished by

its square tail and by its curious gourd-shaped nests attached to the outside of

buildings. Commonly called "Mud Swallow," or " Square- tailed Eave

Swallow."

Genus Hirundo, Linnaeus.

*80. //. eri/lhroijastra, Bodd. Barn Swallow. Summer sojourner.

Genus Tachycineta, Cabanis.

*81. r. b/co?or(Vieill.)Caban. White-bellied Swallow. Summer sojourner;

usually breeding in holes of trees.

Genus Cotile, Boie.

*82. C ripar/rt (Linn.) Boie. Bank Swallow—" Sand Martin." Summer
sojourner; breeding in holes in banks of streams or railroad cuts. Distin-

guished from the next by its white throat and dark band across the breast.

Genus Stelgidopteryx, Baird.

*83. S. serripennis (Aud.) Baird. Rough-winged Swallow—"Sand Mar-
tin." Summer sojourner. A companion of the true Bank Swallow, and of

very similar appearance, but distinguished by its uniform mouse-colored throat

and breast. Often nests about bridges, or even old buildings; but usually in

banks, like the Coiile ripariu.

Family TANAGPJDJ^:.—Tanagers.

Genus Pyranga, Vieillot.

// *84. P. rubra (Linn.) Vieill. Scarlet Tanager. Summer sojourner. One
of our most brilliantly colored birds, known usually as the "Black-winged Red-
bird."

*85. P. cestiva (Linn.) Vieill. Summer Redbird. Summer sojourner;

abundant southward, but rare in extreme north of the state. Very similar in

habits, manners and notes to the preceding, and by many persons erroneously
looked upon as a variety or particular stage of plumage of the same species;

partial to open, upland woods. A fine songster, the song resembling that of
the robin, but more sprightly and continued.

C



178 Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

Family FRINGILLIDyE.—Finches, Sparrows, and Buntings.

Genus Hesperiphona, Bonaparte.

86. H. vespert'ma (Cooper) Bp. Evening Grosbeak. Winter visitant to

extreme northern counties.

Genus Pinicola, Vieillot.

87. P. enucleator (Linn.) Vieill. Pine Grosbeak. Irregular winter visitant,

chiefly to extreme northern portions.

Genus Carpodacus, Kaup.

*88. C. purpureus (Gmel.) Baird. Purple Finch. Winter sojourner south-

ward; breeds sparingly in northern counties.

Genus LoxiA, Linnseus.

89. L. curvirostra ainericana (Wilson) Coues. American Red Crossbill.

Winter visitant, of irregular occurrence southward.

90. L. leucopfeya, Gmel. American White-winged Crossbill. Winter vis-

itant; occurring throughout the state, but, like the last, appearing very irregu-

larly in the southern portion.

Genus .Egiothus, Cabanis.

91. V®. canescews e.r)7(jj)es (Coues) Ridgw. White-rumped Redpoll. Win-

ter visitant to northern counties.

92. ^^. linaria (Linn.) Caban. Common Redpoll. Winter visitant; rare

or occasional southward, common and of regular occurrence in the north.

Genus Astragalinus, Cabanis.

y/\i^ *93. ^. in'si^s (Linn.) Cab. American Goldfinch. Resident. An abundant

species, familiarly known as the "Lettuce-bird," "Garden-bird," "Hemp-
bird," &c.

Genus Chrysomitrts, Boie.

94. C. pinus (Wilson) Bp. Pine Goldfinch. Transient, and occasional

winter sojourner southward. Frequently a companion of the Purple Finch,

feeding upon the tender buds of trees in early spring.

Genus Plectrophanes, Meyer.

95. P. nivalis (Linn.) Meyer. Snow Bunting. An abundant winter vis-

itant in northern coimties, but very rare in the southern portion of the state.

Commonly known as the " White Snow-bird," and " Snowflake."

Genus Centrophanes, Kaup.

96. C. Icqyponicus (Linn.) Caban. Lapland Longspur. Winter visitant;

sometimes abundant, even in the extreme southern portions; occasionally seen

in full spring plumage in northern counties.

97. C.^Jic^MS (Swains.) Caban. Painted Longspur. A winter visitant, like

the last, but chiefly confined to the prairie districts, where sometimes extremely

abundant.



Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. 179

Genus Riiynciiophanes, Baiid.

98. 7?. maccoiom (Lawr.) Baird. McCown's Longspur. Casual winter

visitant. (Champaign. Januaiy, 1877; three specimens. H. K. Coale, Bull.

Nutt. Orn. Club, April, 1877, p. 52.)

Genus Passekculus, Bonaparte.

*99. P. sandwichensis savanna (Wils.) Ridgw. Savannah Span'ow. Sum-
mer sojourner, wintering southward.

Genus Pocecetes, Baird.

*100. P. (/ramiiteus (Gmel.) Baird, Bay-shouldered Bunting. Summer
sojourner; resident southward, where, however, it breeds sparingly. An inhab-

itant of fields and meadows, or open prairies. This, with other species of" sim-

ilar habits, as the Savannah and Yellow-winged Sparrows, are familiarly known
as "Grass-birds," or "Ground-birds."

Genus Coturniculus, Bonaparte.

ffisl*lOl. C. passerinus (Wilson) Bp. Yellow-winged Bunting. Summer
sojourner; occasionally a few wintering southward. This is the commonest of

the "Grass-birds," frequenting meadows, where well known from its peculiar

lisping song which resembles the rasping note of a grasshopper (locust); hence

known locally as "Grasshopper-bird " and " Cricket-bird,"

*102. C. hensloiri (Aud.) Bp. Henslow's Bunting. Summer sojourner;

in southern counties sometimes wintering. A common species on weedy pi-airies,

with habits much like the preceding, but with a different song (sounding like

2)il'-litt, or se'-icick,) which it utters while perched on the summit of a tall weed.

*103. C. lecontei (Aud.) Bp. Leconte's Bunting. Chiefly transient, but

doubtless breeding in northwestern counties. Inhabits chiefly wet prairies,

where it keeps hidden in the rank grass aud sedges like the Ammodromi.
[Taken in Chicago, May 2, 1878, by C. A. White (H. K. Coale, in epist.); at

Riverdale, Cook county. May 13 and 17, 1875, by E. W. Nelson; and in Han-
cock county by C. K. Worfchen, "both in fall and spring, as well as during sum-

mer." (See Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, January, 1880, p. 32) J.

Genus Ammodkomus, Swainson.

*104. A. caudacutus nelso)ii, Allen. Nelson's Sharp-tailed Bunting. A
summer resident in northern counties, where it inhabits grassy marshes. It is

a recently discovered race, and its distribution is consequently not well made
out. It very likely winters in sheltered marshes in the southern portion of the

state.

Genus Ciiondestes, Swainson.

*105. C. gramm'ica (Say) Bp. Lark Bunting. Summer sojourner; entire

state, but partial to the semi-wooded districts. Easily distinguished from all

other ten-estrial sparrows (except the Chewink

—

P'lpUo erifthrophthalmus,

which is otherwise very different), by the white-tipped tail; usually seen along

roadsides. A sweet and indefatigable singer, surpassing the canary and every

native species in continuity and sprightliness of song, through which are inter-

spersed most pleasing trills and varied cadences. Nests indifferently on the



ISO Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

ground or in a small tree, the eggs being singularly handsome, of a ci-ystal-

white ground-color, peculiarly marked with irregular lines and spots of black

round the larger end.

Genus Zonotrichia, Swainson.

106. Z. querula (Nutt.) Gamb. Harris's Sparrow. Casual visitor from the

west. [Taken by W. H. Garman, at Normal, McLean county, November 14,

1879, and near Bloomington, in spring of 1877]. (See Bull. Nutt. Om. Club,

January, 1880, p. 30.)

107. Z.leucophrys{¥Qxsi.)'^vf. White-crowned Sparrow. Transient north-

ward; winter sojourner southward.

[Z. ganibeli intermedia, Ridgw. Western White-crowned Sparrow. Ob-

tained near Racine, Wisconsin, April 20, 1871, by Dr. P. R. Hoy. Fide Nelson,

p. 107.]

\^Z. coronata (Pallas) Baird. Golden-crowned Sparrow. A single specimen

obtained near Racine, Wisconsin, in April, 1858, by Dr. Hoy. Fide Nelson,

p. 108.]

*108. Z. aTbicollis[Qtva.e\.)'Q-g. White-throated Sparrow. Winter sojourner

southward. A "rare summer resident" in northern counties [fide Nelson,

p. 108).

Genus Spizeli,a, Bonaparte.

109. S. montana (Forst.) Ridgw. Tree Sparrow. Winter sojourner. An
almost constant companion of the preceding.

'// *'^'*110. S. t?omes^jc« (Bartr.)Coues. Chipping Sparrow. Summer sojourner,

occasionally wintering southward (?).

*111. S. pallida (Swains.) Bp. Clay-colored Sparrow. Summer resident

in certain semi-prairie districts westward and northward.

l^ffJ f^\^*112. S. pusilla [Wilson) Bip. Field Sparrow. Summer sojourner north-

ward; resident southward.

Genus Junco, Wagler.

113. J. hyemalis (Linn.) Scl. Common Snowbird. Winter sojourner,

114. J. oregonus (Towns.) Scl. Oregon Snowbird. Chicago, October 14,

1875; one specimen. [H. K. Coale, Ball. Nutt. Orn. Club, July, 1877, p. 82.J

Genus Peuc^a, Audubon.

*115. P.cestivalis ilUnoensis, Ridgw. Oak-woods Span-ow. Summer resi-

dent in the southern third of the state, but veiy local; has been obtained only

in Wabash and Richland counties, where not discovered until 1871. The typica,l

form of the species has been recorded only from lower South Carolina and

Georgia, aaid adjacent parts of Florida. Inhabits chiefly neglected fields, more

or less grown up with weeds or bushes, and surrounded by woods. The favorite

perch of the male while singing is an old dead tree, from which, at midday,

in the most sultiy weather of July and August, he pours forth his simple chant

of exceedingly clear and sweet notes; but upon the least alarm dives into the

bushes or weeds, and thus easily conceals itself.



u

Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. 181

Genus Melospiza, Baird.

*116. .1/. /«sc/rtto (Gmel.) Scott. Song Span-ow. Summer sojouraer north-

ward, but only a winter sojourner in the southern coimties, where, mth the

Swamp, Lincoln's. White-throated, Fox-colored, Tree and Field Sparrows, it

congregates in multitudes in the sheltered swamps in the heavily wooded districts.

*117. J/. 7J(/?».«/r/s (Wils.) Baird. Swamp Sparrow. Abundant summer
sojourner northward; equally abundant winter sojourner southward.

*118. 3/. Vxncolm (Aud.) Baird. Lincoln's Sparrow. Mainly transient; a

few breeding in the extreme northern counties {fide Nelson), and sometimes

wintering, in considerable numbers, in the south.

Genus Passerella, Swainson.

119. P. Wiaca (Merrem) Sw. Fox-colored Sparrow. Transient northward,

but wintering in the south. One of the largest of our Sparrows, resembling a

Thrush in its rufous coloring and spotted breast.

Genus Pipilo, Vieillot.

I f<ij*l20. P. enjthroplithahnus (Linn.) Vieill. Ground Robin. Resident south-

ward; summer sojourner northward. A well-known, familiar species, commonly

kno^vu as the "Chewink," "Jai'ee," and "Towhee."

Genus Cakdinalis, Bonaparte.

*121. C. virginianus (Briss.) Bp. Cardinal Grosbeak. Abundant resi-

dent southward ; rare summer sojourner in extreme north. Commonly called

" Red Bird " or "' Crested Red Bird."

Genus Zamelodia, Coues.

/*122. Z. litdoviciana (Linn.) Coues. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Summer
sojourner northward; transient southward.

Genus Guiraca, Swainson.

*123. G. ccerulea (Linn ) Sw. Blue Grosbeak. Summer sojourner. Appar-

ently confined to the southern portion of the state, where rare and local. Aifects

the same localities as the Indigo Bird, and seems like an " enlarged edition " of

that species, but is at least twice the bulk, while the male has his duller blue

plumage relieved by the rufous tips of the wing-coverts.

Genus Passerina, Vieillot.

*124. P. ci/anea (Linn.) Gray. Indigo Bird. Summer sojourner.

125. P. ciris (Linn.) Gray. Nonpareil Bunting. Summer visitant to

southern counties. Possibly breeds, and should be diligently looked for. Thus
far only one record of its occurrence within the state (Wabash county, near

Mt. Carmel, June, 1871). The male is a very conspicuous bird,—bright red

below, with blue head and green back; the female, uniform grass-green, paler

and more yello%vish below.

Genus Spiza, Bonaparte.

/)S(/ *r26. S. americana (Gmel.) Bp. Black-throated Bunting. Summer
sojourner, abundant in most localities; an inhabitant of meadows and prairies;



182 Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

an indefatiguable songster, whose notes, while kicking melody or sweetness,

are, however, not unpleasing, and are variously interpreted as " Dick-

cissel," "Judas Iscariot," &c., whence some of its various local names. The

male having a yellow breast, adorned with a black shield-shaped spot, and

thereby much resembling the Meadow Lark in color, while its haunts are the

same, it is not unfrequently known as the " Little Field Lark." Its eggs, of a

uniform pale blue, without markings of any kind, very closely resemble those of

the common Bluebird (Skilia sialis.)

Family ICTERID^.—American Starlings.

Genus Dolichonyx, Swainson.

/ *127. Z). or</2(>orMs (Linn.) Sw. Bob-o-link. Summer sojourner north-

ward; transient southward. The m.ale in spring plumage frequently called

"Skunk Blackbird."

Genus Molothkus, Swainson.

^H-l ^^ *128. M. ater (Bodd.) Gray. Cow Blackbird. Resident southward;

summer sojourner northward. Sometimes known as "Clod-hopper," from the

habit, which it possesses in common with other "blackbirds," of following the

ploughman. The only one of- our birds which never builds a nest, but habitu-

ally deposits its eggs in the nests of other birds.

Genus Xanthocephalus, Bonaparte.

*129. X. icierocephalus {Bp.)'Ba,u'd. Yellow-headed Blackbird. Summer
sojourner; occasionally resident southward, confined to the prairie districts.

Genus Agel^us, Vieillot.

*130. A. pJioenicetis (Linn.) Vieill. Red-winged Blackbird. Resident

southward; summer sojourner northward.

Genus Sturnella, Vieillot.

//// *13L S. magna (Linn.) Sw. Meadow Lark. Resident; universally dis-

tributed.

*132. S. neglecta, Aud. Western Meadow Lark. Resident. Strictly a

prairie bird; closely resembling the preceding in all respects except voice, the

notes being all exceedingly different, and the song very far superior.

Genus Icterus, Brisson.

'• *133. I. galhula (Linn.) Cones. Baltimore Oriole. Summer sojourner.

The most common appellation of this familiar and brilliant species is " Hang-
ing-bird" but it is also known as the " Hang-nest," " Golden Oriole," " Golden

Robin," "Fire-bird," &c.

*134. /. spurius (Linn.) Bp. Orchard Oriole. Summer sojourner. More

abundant south than the preceding.

Genus Scolecophagus, Swainson.

135. S. ferrugineus (Gmel.) Sw. Rusty Blackbird. Transient, some-

times wintering southward.



Catalogue of tJie Birds of Illinois. 183

186. S. ci/anocephalus (Wagler) Caban. Brewer's Blackbird. An occa-

sional straggler from the west.

^tfA

Genus Quiscalus, Vieillot.

•"IS?. Q. pHrpureus wneiis, Ridgw. Bronzed Grackle. Resident south-

ward; summer sojourner noi'thward. The common " Blackbird."

Family CORVIDtE.—Crows and Jays.

Genus Corvus, Linnsus.

*lo8. C corrta; can; /cor^s (Bartr.) Ridgw. American Raven. Resident,

but very local.

*139. C. fnif/ivonis, Bartr. Common Crow. Resident; abundant, and

generally distributed.*

Genus Pica, Cuvier.

140. P. rusfica hudsortica (Sabine) Baird. Black-billed American Magpie.

Of very doubtful occurrence in Illinois, at least at present, but given by Mr.

Kennicott as a rare winter visitant to the extreme northern counties.

Genus Cyanocttta, Strickland.

ff^ '->;*141. C. cristata (Linn.) Strickl. Blue Jay. Resident; abundant, and

generally distributed. In most localities one of the most familiar of the native

birds, quite in contrast to its habits in the eastern states.

Family ALAUDID^E.—Larks.

Genus Eremophila, Boie.

''/^Vv*142. ^. o?/)e.s<>-(.s (Forster) Boie. Horned Lark. Resident entire state,

but chiefly the prairie districts.!

*It is altogether likely that the Fish Crow (C. ossf/rof/i/s, Wilson), will eventually
have to be added to the list of Illinois birds. I have several times heard, on the Wa-
bash river, at Mt. Oarmel, the notes of a Crow which were identical with those of this
species, whose voice is exceedinj^ly different from that of the common kind, being a
sort of "cracked" croak, or barking- sound; something like we would imagine a com-
mon crow with a very bad cold to utter. The species should be sought for along the
larger streams in the southern part of the state, since its habitat is strictly littoral
and fliiviatile, and at the same time essentially southern.

+Mr. Nelson includes the pale form distinguished by the name of leucoUema, Coues,
in his list (p. 110). This, however, is an error, so far as the specimens upon which the
statement was based are concerned, but one for which I am chietly responsible. A
series of specimens was submitted to me for examination, and certain examples, in
very pale plumage, I pronounced to be the "var. lexicalmma." In this I was mis-
taken,, the individuals in question proving to be the true nlpestris, in much faded
summer plumage. Although it is frequently not easy to distinguish the adults of the
two forms, there is never any difficulty with the young, that of leucnhvma being
many shades lighter in color, the difference being moreover absolutely constant.
I was only made aware of my mistake by the subsetiuent inspection of young birds
said to be the same form which I had previously identifled as leuc.ohema; and, neglect-
ing to explain the case in time, am thus responsible in great measure for the
statements made by Mr. Nelson in regard to these birds, as cited above.



' 184 Catalogue of the Birds of lUinois.

( Oligomi/odct'.J

Family TYEAHNID^.—Tyrant Flycatchers.

Genus Tyrannus, Cuvier.

' /11^ /7></*143. T. carolinensis (Linn.) Baird. King Bird. Summer sojourner;

commonly known as the Bee Bird or Bee Martin.

Genus Myiarchus, Cabanis.

//*144. M. crinitus (Linn.) Caban. Great Crested Flycatcher. Summer
sojoui-ner; usually a woodland species, but not unfrequently seen in towns, where

it sometimes builds in the hollow branches of shade-trees, or even the eaves of

buildings.

'

Genus Sayornis, Bonaparte.

*145. S. fusciis (Gmel.) Baird. Pewee. Summer sojourner, often winter-

ing southward.

146. S. sai/i (Bp.) Baird. Say's Pewee. Casual or accidental in northern

part of the state (Jide Nelson, Bull. Essex. Inst., VIIL, 1876, p. 113).

Genus CoNTOPUS, Cabanis.

147. C. horealis (Sw.) Baird. Olive-sided Flycatcher. Rare, transient;

possibly breeds in extreme northern counties.

y^i/ *148. C. virens (Linn.) Caban. Wood Pewee. Summer sojourner.

Genus Empidonax, Cabanis.

149. E. flavwentris, Baird. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. Transient; pos-

sibly summer sojourner northward.

*150. E. acadicus (Gmel.) Baird. Green-crested Flycatcher. Summer
sojourner. More numerous southward than Traill's Flycatcher, but inhabiting

the same localities, and difficult to distinguish; nest very different, however,

and plumage quite distinct on comparison.

'>Ts;'*151. E. pusillus trailli (Aud.) Baird. Traill's Flycatcher. • Summer
sojourner; whole state, but said to be rare northward.

*152. E. minimus, Baird. Least Flycatcher. Transient southward; sum-

mer sojourner northward.

pus

Order TKOCHILI.

*

Family TROCHILIDJE.—Humming-birds.

Genus Trochii,us, Linna3us.

//*153. T.colubris, Linn. Ruby-throated Humming-bird. Summer sojourner.

Our only species.



Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. 185

Order CYPSELI.

Family CYPSELID^.—Swifts.

Genus Ch^:tura, Stephens.

*154. C. pelasgica (Linn.) Baird. Chimney Swift. Summer sojourner.

Usually known as the "Chimney Swallow."

Order CAPRIMUIiGI.

Family CAPRIMULGIDtE.—Goatsuckers.

Genus Antrostomus, Gould.

*156. A. carolinensis (Gniel.) Gould. Chuck-will's-widow. Summer
sojourner in southern counties. Confounded with the following, but note louder

and less hurnedly enunciated; habits the same.

Genus Capriaiulgus, Linnsus.

*156. C. vociferus, Wils. Whip-poor-will. Summer sojourner.

Genus Chordeiles, Swainson.

I*lb7. C. po2)ehte{yiei\\.) BAird. Night Hawk. Summer sojourner. Pop-

ularly supposed to be the whip-poor-will, but readily distinguishable on sight

by the conspicuous white wing-spot, its partially diurnal habits, and other well-

marked characteristics.*

Order PICI.

Family PICID^.—Woodpeckers.

Genus Campephilus, Gray.

*158. C. lyrincipalis (Linn.) Gray. Ivory-billed "Woodpecker. A former

resident in the extreme southern counties, but now extinct in many districts.

Genus Picus, Linnaeus.

*159. P. villosiis, Linn. Hairy Woodpecker. Resident; commonly known
as the "Big Sapsucker," or " Guinea Woodpecker."

/ *160. P. puhescens, Linn. Downy Woodpecker. Resident. The well-

known "Little Sapsucker," or "Little Guinea Woodpecker."

*Mr. Nelson (p. lU) gives " var. hrnri/i, Cass.," as occurring' and breeding in Cook
county. We iiave, in conjunction with Mr. Nelson, compared the specimens referred
to, with typical examples of the western form, and conclude that they are merely
somewhat pale examples of the eastern bird, or true popctue, as restricted.

I)



186 Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

Genus Picoides, Lacepede.

161. P. arcticHs (Sw.) Gray. Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker. A
rare winter visitant to extreme northern counties.

Genus Sphyrapicus, Baird.

162. S. varius (Linn.) Baird. Yellow-bellied Woodpecker. Winter

sojourner in southern portions; transient northward. Not a conspicuous or well-

known species, but, when distinguished, sometimes called the "Red-throated

Sapsucker," or, on account of its mournful, whining note, "Squealing Sap-

sucker."
Genus Hylotomus, Baird.

*163. H. inleatus (Linn.) Baird. Pileated Woodpecker. Resident, and

in many districts still abundant. Popularly known as the "Log Cock," "Black

Woodcock," or, and perhaps most frequently, as simply "Woodcock."

Genus Centurus, Swainson.

/ *164. C caroKmfs (Linn.) Bp. Red-bellied Woodpecker. Abundant res-

ident southward; rather rare summer sojourner northward. Its popular names
are " Checkered Woodpecker, " "Woodchuck," and "Chuck."

Genus Melanerpes, Swainson.

N/ *165. M. erythrocepJialus (Linn.) Sw. Red-headed Woodpecker. Resi-

dent; excessively abundant in heavily wooded bottoms of the southern counties,

in winter.

Genus Colaptes, Swainson.

/ tH-J *166. C. auratns (Linn.) Sw. Yellow-shafted Flicker. Resident. Has

numerous popular names, as " Yellow-hammer " (the most frequent), " Flicker,"

"High-hole," " Wake-up," "Pigeon Woodpecker," &c.

Order ANISODACTYL^.

Family ALCEDINID^.—Kinglisliers.

Genus Ceryle, Boie.

*167. C. «?cyo?t (Linn.) Boie. Belted Kingfisher. Resident southward;

summer sojourner northward.

Order COCCYGES.

Family CUCULID^.— Cuckoos.

Genus Coccyzus, Vieillot.

.'^ *168. C. amencanits (Linn.) Bp. Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Summer sojourner.

Commonly known as the " Rain Crow " or "Wood Pigeon."



Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. 1S7

*169. C. erifthyophthalmus {Vf\\s,.)Bsi\x^. Black-billed Cuckoo. Summer
sojourner. Popularly confounded mth the preceding, but in most localities, es-

pecially southward, much less common.

Order PSITTACI.

Family PSITTACIDvE.—Parrots.

Genus Conurus, Kuhl.

*170. C. crtro^/^t'/is/s (Linn.) Kuhl. Carolina Parakeet. Formerly abundant,

and generally distributed
;
possibly now extinct in Illinois.

Order STRIGES.

Family STEIGID^.—Owls.

Genus Aluco, Fleming.

*171. A. flatnmeus americanus (Aud.) Ridgw. Bam Owl. Of rare and

inregular occurrence. Found at all seasons of the year, but nowhere common.

Genus Asio, Brisson.

*172. A. americanus (Steph.) Sharj^e. Long-eared Owl. Resident.

*173. A. accipitrinus (Pall.) Newton. Short-eared Owl. Chiefly winter

sojourner, but breeding in northern counties.

Genus Strix, Linnseus.

*114:. S. nebidosa, Fovst. Barred Owl. Resident. The common "Hoot
Owl."

Genus Ulula, Cuvier.

175. U. cinerea (Gm.) Bp. Great Gray Owl. Very rare winter visitant to

extreme northern counties (Nelson, p. 117).

Genus Nyctale, Brehm.

*176. N. acadica (Gmel.) Bp. Saw-whet Owl. Common resident in ex-

treme northern portion; rare winter visitant southward.

Genus Scops, Savigny.

*177. S. asio (Linn.) Bp. Little Red Owl, or Mottled Owl. Resident.

Universally known as the " Screech Owl."

Genus Bubo, Dumeril.

*178. B. rirginianiis (Gmel.) Bp. Great Homed Owl. Resident.

178rt. B. viyginianHS suhairticus (Hoy) Ridgw. Western Homed Owl.

Winter visitant to northern portions.



188 Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

Genus Nyctea, Stephens.

179. iV. scanrfiacrt (Linn.) Newton. Snowy Owl. Winter visitant ; of irreg-

ular occurrence, but sometimes common.

Genus Surnia, Dumeril.

180. S. fimerea (Linn.) Sw- & Rich. American Hawk Owl. Winter vis-

itant to extreme northern counties (Kane county, Sept. 1869; Nelson, p. 117).

Order ACCIPITRES.

Family FALCONID^.—Hawks, Falcons, Kites and Eagles.

Genus Hierofalco, Cuvier.

181. H. mexicanus polyagrus [Q,diS,s,.)'R\Agw. Prairie Falcon. A straggler

from the west.

Genus Falco, Linnaeus.
*

*182. F. peregrinns ncevius (Gm.) Ridgw. Duck Hawk. Resident, locally.

Genus J^salon, Kaup.

*183. ^. coliimbarius (Linn.) Kaup. Pigeon Hawk. Resident, locally;

more common in spring and fall.

Genus Tinnunculus, Vieillot.

*184. T. sjMrverius (Linn.) Vieill. American Kestril. Resident; probably

the most abundant species of the family, generally known as the "Sparrow

Hawk."
*184a. T. sparverius isahellinus (Sw.) Ridgw. Isabelline Kestril. An

adult female in my collection is a very extreme example of this southern race.

It was obtained at Mt. Carmel, October 5, 1874. The entire pileum is dark

plumbeous, without the least trace of rufous on the crown, while the durky bars

on the upper surface are everywhere much wider than the rufous intersperses.

I have also a very typical male, the color very dark, with uniform deep plumbe-

ous pileum and unspotted deep vinaceous breast.

Genus Pandion, Savigny.

*185. P. haliaetus carolinensis (Gm.) Ridgw. American Osprey. Resi-

dent southward, at least in mild winters; transient northward (according to

Nelson, p. 118).

Genus Elakoides, Gray.

*186. E. forficatus (Linn.) Ridgw. Swallow-tailed Kite. Summer
sojourner; rare northward, but extremely abundant, at times, in the southern

counties. Most numerous in August, on the prairies or near water-courses.

Genus Elanus, Savigny.

*187. E. glaucus (Bartr.) Coues. White-tailed Kite. Very rare summer

sojourner in extreme southern portion.



Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. 1S9

Genus Ictixia, Vieillot.

*188. I. suhcterulea (Bartr.) Coues. Mississippi Kite. Summer sojourner;

rare northward, but, like the Swallow-tail, very abundant locally, especially in

August, in the southern third of the state. Usually seen soaring in company

with Turkey Buzzards or the Swallow-tailed Kites, often performing extra-

ordinary and beautiful aerial evolutions.

Genus Circus, Lacepede.

*189. C. 7j»rfso»/HS (Liim.) Yieill. Marsh Hawk. Chiefly winter sojourner,

but resident northward, and (probably) on southern prairies.

Genus AcciPiTER, Brisson.

*190. A. cooperi, Bp. Cooper's Hawb. Resident. Commonly known as

the "Blue Chicken Hawk," "Swift Hawk," "Quail Hawk," <fec.

*191. A. fuscKS (Gmel.) Bp. Sharp- shinn'fed Hawk. Resident.

Genus Astur, Lacepede.

192. A. atricapilhis ,(Wiis.) Bp. American Goshawk. Winter visitant;

rare southward.

Genus Buteo, Cuvier.

*193. B. borealis (Gmel.) Vieill. Red-tailed Hawk. Resident. The com-

mon " Rabbit Hawk," or "White-breasted Hen Hawk."
193«. B. borealis cahirus (Cass.) Ridgw. Western Red-tailed Hawk.

Occasional, or accidental visitant from the west (Cook county, April, 1873; see

Nelson, p. 119).

194. B. harlani, Aud. Harlan's Hawk; Black Warrior. Taken at War-
saw, Hancock county, in March, 1879, by Mr. C. K. Worthen (see Bull. Nutt.

Om. Club, January, 1880, p. 31).

*195. B. lineattts (Gmel.) Jard. Red-shouldered Hawk. Resident. The
most abundant species of the genus.

*196. B. sifaiusoni,'B\>. Swainson's Hawk. An uncommon and i-ather

local species. Obtained several times within the state, and found breeding in

Richland county, by Mr. E. W. Nelson. (See Bull. Essex. Inst., IX.. 1877,

p. 47.)

*197. B. pennsylvankits (Wils.) Bp. Broad-winged Hawk. Resident.

One of the rarer species in most localities.

Genus AsTtniiNA, Vieillot.

198. A. nhida plagiata{\Achi.)'R\dig-7f. Mexican Goshawk. Rare, per-

haps accidental, summer visitant to southern portion. (Fox Prairie, Richland

county, August, 1871; one specimen. (See American Naturalist, July, 1872, p.

430, and April, 1873, p. 203.)

Genus ARCHiBrxEO, Brehm.

199. A. lagopus sancti-johannis (Gm.) Ridgw. Rough-legged Hawk.
Winter sojourner.



190 Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

200. A. ferrughieus (Licht.) Gray. Ferruginous Rough-legged Hawk.

Recently added to the fauna of the state, by Dr. Coues, who observed specimens

near Rock Island, in October, 1876. (See Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, II., p. 26.)

Genus Aquila, Brisson.

*201. A. chrysaetos canadensis (Linn.) Ridgw. Golden Eagle. Chiefly

winter visitant, but a few stiU breeding in rocky, unfrequented districts (see

Nelson, p. 120).
Genus Hali^etus, Savigny.

*202. H. leiicocephalus (Linn.) Savig. Bald Eagle. Resident, but most

abundant in winter. The young, which in their second year exceed the adults

in spread of wing and tail, as well as in a-pparent bulk, while their plumage is

exceedingly different, are commonly called "Gray Eagles." Younger indi-

viduals, or those in the first plumage, are distinguished as " Black Eagles," a

name also applied to the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetiis canadensis). Many
persons, even experienced hunters, are unaware of the identity of these black

and gray Eagles with those having the head and tail white. The " Washington

Eagle," or " Bird of Washington," of Audubon, was founded on a large-sized

immature female of this common species

.

Order SARCORHAMPHI.

Family CATHARTID^.—American Vultures.

Genus Cathaktes, lUiger.

*203. C. aura (Linn.) lUig. Turkey Buzzard. Resident and very abund-

ant in southern half of the state; a rare summer sojourner northward..

Genus Cathakista, Vieillot.

*204. C a^rato (Wils.) Less. Black Vulture. Rare resident in southern

counties. The common " Carrion Crow " of the southern states.

' siiTn

Order COLUMB^:.

Family COLUMBIDJE.—Pigeons or Doves.

Genus Ectopistes, Swainson.

*205. E. migratoria (Linn.) Sw. Irregular resident.

Genus Zenaidura, Bonaparte.

*206. Z. carolinensis (Linn.) Bp. Mourning Dove. Resident southward;

summer sojourner northward.



• Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. 191

Order GALLIN^i}.

(Gallince alectoropodes.)

Family MELEAGRID^. —Turkey s.

Genus Meleagris, Linnteus.

*207. M. f/alloparo omericaiia [Bavtr.) Conesi. Wild Turkey.* Resident.

Family TETEA0NIDJ5.—Grouse.

Genus Bonasa, Stephens.

*20S. B. wubellns (Linn.) Steph. Ruffled Grouse. Resident.

f

Genus CupiDONiA, Reichenbach.

*209. C. citpido (Linn.) Baird. Pinnated Grouse. Resident. The com-
mon " Prairie Chicken" or " Prairie Hen." -

Genus Pedig^cetes, Baird.

*210. P. phasianellus colnmhianus (Ord.) Cones. Sharp-tailed Grouse.

Resident; northern prairies only. Said to be very scarce, and less numerous

than formerly. Should be looked for carefully. Has the same habits as the

common "Prairie Chicken," and is quite similar in appearance, but may be

distinguished by the form of the markings on the lower parts, which are

V-shaped, instead of running straight across, bar-like, by the absence of the

elongated feathers on the sides of the neck, and other differences.

Genus Lagopus, Vieillot.

211. L. «Z6«.5 (Gmel.) Aud. Willow Ptarmigan. Formerly a rare winter

visitant to extreme northern counties, according to Kennicott. Not recorded

*That the common wild turkey of the Eastern United States is identical specifically
with the domesticated bird, there is no reason to doubt, since the able and exhaustive
discussion of the matter by Judge Caton, in his recent treatise in the American
NatumJiftt for June, 1877, pp. 331-3:^0. In view, however, of the perfect correspon-
dence in plumag-e between the barnyard turliey, in its perfect normal plumage (we of
course except the albinescent, erythrismal, or rufous and cream-colored, and melan-
istic varieties,) with the wild bird of eastern Mexico and the southern Kocky Moun-
tains of the United States, it seems most reasonable to regard the latter as the orig-
inal of the domesticated race—a supposition greatly strengthened by historical cir-

cumstances, which unavoidably lead to the conclusion that the bird was originally in-

troduced into Europe by the Spaniards, after the conquest of Mexico, and afterward
"transplautcil" to the United States by the early European settlers. As to the mat-
ter (if ndiiif'iielature, the whole question depends upon whether Linna;us based his
diagnosis (in the domesticated turkey or the wild North American iiird. In the event
of his M. ijfilloiiacii b(>ing meant for the former, the bird und('r consideiation must be
called (U/K/iVvr/irt, after Bartram; but if LinniBUS had the wild liird of North America
in view,then the latter name becomes a synonym of (ialh>p)Wii, while the Mexican, and
with it the domesticated bird, where unmixed with wild stock, must be called /rtexi-

cana, Gould.

(As is apparently the case throughout the Southern States, wherever this species
is found, all tne Ruffed Grouse of Southern Illinois have, so far as I have seen, rufous
tails. In the northern portion of the state examples with gray tails are common, as is

the case in New England and the Middle States {('ucrally, <'speclally in the mountain
districts. This prevalence of the rufous-tailed type seems strictly parallel to the case
of the little "Screech Owl" {Scops ((.sie), nearly all the individuals of which are of the
bright rufous, or foxy-red phase in Sf)uthern Illinois, and is perhaps due to the sai.ue

climatic causes.



192 Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

by subsequent observers, and perhaps not now entering the state (see Nelson,

p. 122).

Family PEEDICID^.—Partridges and Quails.

Genus Ortyx, Stephens.

*212. 0. virginiana (Linn.) Bp. Virginia Quail, or Partridge.* Resident.

*212rt. 0. virginiana floridana, Coues. Southern Quail. Restricted to the

heavily wooded bottom-lands of the southern portion of the state (see Nelson,

Bull. Essex. Inst., IX., 1877, p. 43).t

Order HERODIONES.

Family CICONIID^.—Storks and Wood Ibises.

Genus Tantalus, Linnasus.

*213. T. locnlator, Linn. Wood Ibis. Summer sojourner in extreme south

of the state, and an irregular summer visitant to northern portion.

Family IBIDID,^.—Ibises.

Genus Eudocimus, Wagler.

214. E. albus (Linn.)Wagl. White Ibis. A summer visitant as far north

as Mt. Carmel, where occasionally seen in small flocks.

Genus Plegadis, Kaup.

215. P. falcinellus {Linn.) KsiUT^. Glossy Ibis. Summer visitant, of irreg-

ular occurrence.

Family PLATALEID^.—Spoonbills.

Genus Ajaja, Reichenbach.

216. J. ro.?e« (Briss.) Ridgw. Rosy Spoonbill. Although this species,

like the Parakeet and Ivory-billed Woodpecker, may not now be found

within the state, except, perhaps, as a rare or accidental summer visitant, I am
informed by Mr. A. Wolle, a trustworthy dealer, of Baltimore, Maryland, that

*It is, of course, quite unnecessary to discuss at lenglh the question of whether
this well-known bird is a "quail" or a " partridg-e." Suffice it to say that these two
terms, in their proper sense, apply strictly to two very distinct groups of species be-
lonjring- to this family, and 'peculiar to the Old World. Our bird is exactly half way
between the true Partridge and Quail of Europe, in size and many of its other
characteristics; and, though it is neither, in the strict sense of the word, it may as
properly be termed one as, the other.

+Specimens obtained at Mt. Carmel, by Mr. Nelson, as well as those in my own eol-
lection,from the same locality,agTee strictly with many Florida examples in their small
size, very darlc colors, and massive bills. There are, however, slight differences in
color from the extreme developement of the race, as represented in specimens from
Southern Florida. Thus, while the black of the jugulum is equally extended, the
black bars of the lower parts are rather less heavy, and less regularly transverse. The
most obvious difference, however, consists in the coloration of the dorsal surface,
where the prevailing tint is bright rusty red, varied by large black blotches, in the
Southern-Illinois birds, while in the Floridan examples the upper parts have a decided
dull olive-grayish cast, tinged with rusty, and broken by smaller, more numerous, and
more transverse markings. The massivencss of the bill, however, by some supposed
to be specially characteristic of peninsular birds, is equally shared by Illinois speci-
mens, one example, in my collection fromMt. Carmel, having this member more bulky
than in any Florida specimen which I have ever seen!



Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. 193

he collected specimens some twenty years ago in the Mississippi bottom, a few

miles below St. Louis, where it was not uncommon about the large ponds. It

may yet be found in suitable localities, and should be carefully looked for in the

southern marshes (see Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, Jan. 1S80, p. 31).

Family ARDEID^.—Herons.

Genus Akdea, Linnteus.

217. A. occxdentaVis, kvi^. Great White Heron; Wiu-demann's Heron.*

A rare summer visitant to the southern part of the state (Mt. Carmel, Septem-

ber, 1876).

*218. -4. Jierodias, Linn. Great Blue Heron. Summer sojourner. A few

remain in mild winters.

Genus Herodias, Boie.

*219. //. alba egirtta (Gmel.) Ridgw. American Egret. Chiefly a sum-
mer visitant, but breeding in the southern counties. Popularly known as the
" White Crane." Sometimes abundant late in summer.

Genus Garzetta, Kaup.

*220. G. candidlsslma (Gm.) Bp. Snowy Heron. Chiefly a summer vis-

itant, but breeding southward.

Genus Dichromanassa, Ridgway.

221. D. rufa (Bodd.) Ridgw. Reddish Egret. A summer visitant (pos-

sibly breeding) in the extreme southern portion of the state (see Nelson, Bull

Essex. Inst.. IX., 1877, p. 60).

Genus Florida, Baird.

*222. F. cr/'iv'/cft (Linn.) Baird. Little Blue Heron. Summer sojourner in

southern part of the state, where sometimes exceedingly abundant in latter part

of summer.

Genus Butorides, Blyth.

*22.3. B. vircscens (Linn.) Bp. Green Heron. Summer sojourner. A well-

known, widely distributed species, enjoying the inelegant but expressive sobri-

quet of ' Schytepoke,'" in addition to its other names of " Poke," " Fly-up-the-

creek," etc.

Genus Nyctiardea, Swainson.

*224:. X. f/risea ncevia (Bodd.) Allen. Black-crowned Night Heron. Res-

ident southward, at least in mild winters; summer sojourner northward.

Familiar names of this species are " Quawk," " Squawk," "Quaw Bird," &c.

*See Bulletin of the U. S. Geolog-ical and Geographical Survey of the Territories,
vol. iv, No. 1, pp. 227-37, for remarks bearing upon the probable identity of Ardea oc-
cidciUaUi<, Aud., and A. icunlemanni, Baird.



194 Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

Genus Nyctherodius, Reichenbach.

*225. N. riolitceus (Linn.) Reich. White-crowned Night Heron*. Summer
sojourner in southern portion of the state, breeding at least as far north as Mt.

Carmel.

Genus Botaurus, Stephens.

*226. B. lentiginosus (Montag.) Steph. American Bittern. Resident south-

ward; summer sojourner northward. Has various popular names, as "Thunder
Pump," "Stake Driver," &c.

Genus Ardetta, Gray.

*227. A.exUjs (Gmel.) Gray. Least Bittern. Summer sojourner, fre-

quenting chiefly marshes and sloughs.

Order LIMICOL^:.

Family STREPSILIDJE.—Turnstones.

Genus Strepsilas. llliger.

228. S. interpves (Linn.) Illig. Turnstone. Transient. Common along

Lake Michigan.

Family CHARADRIID^. —Plovers.

Genus Squatarola, Cuvier.

229. S. helvetica (Linn.) Cuv. Black-bellied Plover. Transient.

Genus Charadrius, Linnseus.

230. C. dominicus, Miiller. Golden Plover. Transient.

Genus Oxyechus, Reichenbach.

// *231. 0. vociferus (Linn.) Reich. Kill-deer. Resident southward; sum-

mer sojourner northward.

Genus ^Egialites, Boie.

*232. uiJ. semipahnatus , Bp. Semipalmated Plover. Transient. Proba-

bly breeding in northern portion (Nelson, p. 123).

*233. ^E. melodiis circioiicincfus. Ridgw. Belted Piping Plover. Summer
sojourner. Breeding abundantly northward (Nelson, p. 123).

*Since the above was put in type, I have found this species very common in Knox
Co., Indiana, on the line of the O. & M. Railroad, and on April :i7 shot a female from
her nest, in a tall and slender swcet-g'um tree. An egg- ready for ejecti(>n was found
in the oviduct. The species is, at the present time (April, 1881;, the commonest heron
in this vicinity.



Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. 195

Family SCOLOPACID^.—Snipe, Saudpipes, &c.

Genus Piiit.oiikla, Gray.

*2;34. P. »*/«(>/• (Gmel.) Gray. American Woodcock. Resident southward;

summer sojourner northward.

Genus Gatxinaoo, Leach.

*235. G. medki icUsonl (Temm.) Ridafw. Common Snipe. Chiefly tran-

sient, but breedini^ in northern portion, and winterinj?-, sparingly, in southern

sections. Known by the various names of "' English Snipe," " Common Snipe,"
" Jack Snipe," and curiously, though very appropriately, " Gutter Snipe."

Genus MACuoRiiAMriius, Loach.

236. il/. (/>-K<t'»s sco?o/Jffc•e/^<^ (Say) Coues.* Red-breasted Snipe. Transient.

Known also as the " Gray Snipe."

Genus Micropalama, Baird.

237. J/, hhnantopus (Bp.) Baird. Stilt Sandpiper. Transient; considered

very rare in most localities.

Genus Tkinga, Linnirus.

238. T. caniitKs, Linn. Red-breasted Sandpiper. Transient. Often called

"Robin Snipe " from the " robin-red " breast and lower parts.

Genus Akquatella, Baird.

239. A. maritlma (Brimn.) Baird. Purple Sandpiper. Transient.

Genus Actodromas, Kaup.

•' 240. ^i. macnldta (Vieill.) Coues. Pectoral Sandpiper. Chiefly transient,

but a few remain in summer, and probably breed, in the northern portion of the

state. Among its several popular names may be cited those of "Jack Snipe
"

(also applied to Gallinago wilsoni), and *' Grass Snipe."

24L A. fuscicollis (Yieill.) Ridgw. Bonaparte's Sandpiper. Transient,

but occasionally occurring northward in summer, and possibly breeding.

242. A. ha i)-di, Coues. Baird's Sandpiper. Transient.

24:3. A. inintifilla (Vieill.) Bp. Least Sandpiper. Chiefly transient, but

a few remain in summer and probably breed, esi^ecially in northern counties.

Usually associated with the preceding, which it closely resembles in appearance,

the entirely cleft toes of the present species, compared with the partly webbed

ones of the other, being the readiest means of distinction.

Genus Pemdna, Cuvier.

244. P. ((IjjiiKi amenccma, Cassin. Red-backed Sandpiper. Transient.

Genus Ereunetes, lUiger.

245. E. pK.siUiis (Linn.) Cass. Semipalmated Sandpiper. Transient

southward; summer sojourner northward, but probably not breeding (see Nel-

son, p. 127).

*I have seen no specimens of this species from Illinois, but ail examples which I

have examined from other parts of the Mississippi Valley are of the satlopaeeittf type.



196 Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

Genus Cai.idkis, Cuvier.

246. C. nroHirIa (Linn.) lUig. Sanderling. Transient.

Genus LiMOSA, Brisson.

2A1. L.fa>da{Urm.)Ord. Marbled Godwit. Transient.

248. L. Juemastica (Linn.) Coues. Hudsonian Godwit. Transient.

Genus Totanus, Bechstein.

*249. T. melanoleiiCHS (GmeL) VieiU. Larger Yellow-legs. Transient

southward; breeding in northern counties (see Nelson, p. 128).

*250. T.J/aripes (Gmel.) Vieill. Lesser Yellow-legs. Mainly transient,

but breeds sparingly northward.

Genus B.HYACOPniLUS, Kaup.

*251. E. solifarius (Wils.) Cass. Solitary Sandpiper. Summer sojourner.

A common species, frequenting chiefly woodland ponds in company with the

Water Thrushes (Siiirus), which it much resembles in movements, and known

by the popular names of ''Peet-weet" (a name also applied to the Spotted Sand-

piper, Tringoides macuJarins), "Tilt-up," "Teeter," and "Wood Snipe." Fre-

quently alights on branches of trees or upon fences.

Genus Symphemia, Rafinesque.

*252. S. semipalmata (Gmel.) Hartl. Willet. Summer sojourner. Easily

distinguished at a distance from the other large snipe by the large white patch

on the base of the primary quills, which is particularly conspicuous when the

bird is flying.

^
Genus Bartramia, Lesson.

*253. B. longicaiida (Bechst.) Bp. Bartram's Tatler. Summer sojourner.

Chiefly a prairie bird. Usually known as the "Field Plover," "Upland
Plover," or " Prairie Plover."

Genus Tryngites, Cabanis.

254. T. rufescens (Vieill.) Caban. Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Transient;

rare.

Genus Tringoides, Bonaparte.

*255. T. macularvus (Linn ) Gray. Spotted Sandpiper. Summer sojourner.

Resembling the Solitary Sandpiper in manners, but frequenting chiefly the

banks and sand-bars of streams. Also called "Peet-weet" and " Sand Lark."

Genus Numenius, Linnseus.

*256. N. longirostris, Wilson. Long-billed Curlew. Transient in most

localities. Formerly bred throughout tlie state, in suitable localities, and still

does so in the central and northern districts. Occasionally winters in the extreme

southern counties.

257. N. hudsomcus. Lath. Hudsonian Curlew. Transient.

258. N. borealis (Foster) Lath. Eskimo Curlew. Transient.



Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. 197

Family PPIALAROPODIDJ^.—Phalaropes.

Genus Phalaropus, Biisson.

259. P.//?//rrtr/»,« (Linn.) Bp. Red Phalarope. Transient.

Genus Lobipes, Cuvier

260. L. hi/perhoreiis (Linn.) Cuv. Northern Phalarope. Transient.

Genus Stegaxopus, Vieillot.

*261. iS. (t'i7.so«j (Sab.)Coues. Wilson's Phalarope. Summer sojourner.

Family PtECURVIROSTRID.E.—Avocets and Stilts.

Genus Recuuvirostra, Linnaeus.

*262. li. (imcricana, Gmel. American Avocet. Mainly transient, but a

few Vireeding in suitable localities.

Genus Himaxtopus, Brisson.

*263. //. »«'.riVrtH«,9 (Miiller) Ord. Black-necked Stilt. Mo.^tly fran.sient,

but breedin": in some localities.

Order GERAN03I0KPH^^.

( Genihoinofphu' fiiUcitrnp.)

Family PALLIDJ^.—Rails, Gallinules, and Coots.

Genus R.vllus, Bech.-^tein.

*264. Ti. eJegaufi, Aud. Red^-breasted Rail. Summer sojourner, sometimes

wintering' southward. Kqovvu as '" King Rail," " Mud Hen," " Marsh Hen." itc

.

*265. R. rirg'uihiHHS, Linn. Virginia Rail. Resident southward; summer
sojourner northward.

Genus Pokzaxa, Vieillot.

*266. P. Carolina (Linn.) Baird. Carolina Rail. Resident southward;

summer sojourner northward. Known as " Common Rail," '' Sora," and " Or-

tolan;" the last two names, however, more frequently applied to it along the

Atlantic coast. Of these names, " Sora "' is a very good one, not being applied

to any other species, so far as known; that of " Ortolan," a name also applied

to the Reed Bird ( Dollchonijx onjzhorus), and properly applicable only to a

European species of \jnni\ng ( Etnheriza horfidana ). is in every way inappro-

priate.

*267. P. novehoracensis (Gmel.) Baird. Little Yellow Rail. Resident,

except, perhaps, northward, where possibly only summer sojourner.

*268. P. jamakenfiin (Gmel.) Baird. Little Black Rail. Resident south-

ward ; summer sojourner northward. Breeds, in suitable localities, throughout

the state.



198 Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

Genus Gallinula, Brisson.

*269. G. f/aleata, Licht. Florida Gallinule. Resident, except northward.

In some localities known as the " Red-billed Mud Hen," or simply " Mud Hen."

Genus Ionornis, Reichenbach.

*270. /. martinica (Linn.) Reich. Purple Gallinule. Summer sojourner.

Not common, but occurring throughout the state.

Genus Fulica, Linnaeus.

*271. F. americana,Gii\e\. American Coot. Resident, except in northern

part of the state. In some places known as the "Mud Hen," "White-billed

Mud Hen " (in distinction from the" Red-billed Mud Hen "

—

Gallinula galeata),

and " Crow Duck." The latter name is given on account of the shape of the

bill.

( Gi'i-anomorphce (ilecforides.)

Family GKUIDvE.—Cranes.

Genus Grus, Linnffius.

*272. G. americana (Linn.) Temm. Whooping Crane. Mainly transient,

but a few breeding on the central prairies (Nelson, p. 133). Less numerous

than formerly.

*278. G. canadensis {lAnn.)Te\\vci\. Sandhill Crane. Mainly transient,

but breeding on the larger prairies. Much less numerous, and more local, than

formerly.

Order ANSERES.

Family ANATIDJ]].—Swans, Geese, and Ducks.

Genus Olou. Wagler.

274. 0. americanus (Sharpless) Bp. Whistling Swan. Transient; some-

times winter sojourner.

275. bitcchiator (Richardson) Wagl. Trumpeter Swan, Transient, or

occasional winter sojourner.

Genus Chen, Boie.

276. C. hyperhoreiis (Pallas) Boie. Snow Goose. Transient, or occasional

winter sojourner.

276rt. C. hi/perboreiis alhafns (Cassin) Ridgw. Lesser Snow Goose. Occurs

at the same time as the preceding. Both are commonly known as the " White

Brant."

277. C. aerulescens (Linn.) Ridgw. Blue Goose. Chiefly transient, but

winters in mild seasons.

Genus Anser, Linna3us.

21S. A. alb ifrons gamheli (Hartl.) Coaes. White-fronted Goose. Tran-

Rient, but remains in mild winters.



Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. , 199

Goiuis BKUNfti-A, Stephens.

*279. B. canadensis (Linn.) Boie. Canada Goose. Chiefly transient, but

breeds sparingly, in secluded localities, throughout the state, and sometimes

occurs in mild winters.

279rt. B. canadensis hntchinsi (Sw. &: Rich.) Ridgw. Hutchins' Goose.

Transient; sometimes wintering, but does not breed within the state. Known

to some sportsmen as the " Little' Gray Goose."

2796. B. canadensis leucoparia (Brandt) Cass. Little White-cheeked Goose.

Occasional visitant (Nelson, Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, July, 1876, p. 41).

280. fi. ?^re»!to (Pall.) Steph. Brant Goose. A rare winter visitant. This

is the true "Brant," and is the rarest of the geese which occur in the interior

of the country. It is essentially a salt-water bird, but like all the species of the

latter class (as the Surf Ducks, Eiders, &c.) occasionally visits the lakes and

larger water-courses of the Mississippi Valley. The term " Brant" is applied

indiscriminately by gunners to all the smaller geese, including even Hutchins'

Goose. It is bestowed most frequently however, upon the White-fronted Goose

(Anser gamheli).

Genus Anas, Linnaeus.

*281. A. boscas, Linn. Mallard. Resident in some localities, but chiefly

transient. Commonly known as the "Green-head."

*282. A. obscura, Gmel. Dusky Duck; Black Mallard. Resident, or chiefly

transient, like the preceding, but very much rarer.

Genus CnAULEiiASMUS. Gray.

*283. C. streperus (Linn.) Gray. Gadwall. Chiefly transient, but breeds

sparingly, and sometimes remains in mild winters.

Genus Dafii.a, Leach.

*284. Z>. «f»frt (Linn.) Bp. Pintail Duck. Mainly transient, but breeds

sparingly and sometimes winters.

Genus Makeca, Stephens.

285. M. penelope{\jva.-n..)'&e\hy. European Widgeon. An occasional visitant.

*286. M. americana (Gmel.) Steph. American Widgeon. Chiefly transient,

but breeding in suitable situations, and sometimes wintering. Commonly
known as the " Bald-pate."

Genus Si'ATULa.

*287. S. chipeata (Linn.) Boie. Shoveller; Spoon-bill Duck. Snnmier

sojourner northward; transient and winter sojourner southward.

Genus Querquedula, Stephens.

*288. Q. discors (Linn.) Steph. Blue-winged Teal. Resident, but chiefly

transient.

289. Q. ri/anopfera (Vieill.) Cass. Red-breasted Teal. Ocea.sional visitant.

The "Cinnamon Teal" of sportsmen. This species has the most extensive

range of any American duck, its regular hiibitat extending from the Columbia

river to Chili and Buenos Ayres. It breeds in South as well as in North America.



200 Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

Genus Nettion, Kaup.

*290. iV. carolinensis (Gmel.) Baird. Green-winged Teal. Resident, but

chiefly transient.

Genus Aix, Boie.

*291. A. sponsa (Linn.) Boie. Summer Duck. Resident southward; sum-

mer sojourner northward. Usually known as the " Wood Duck."

Genus Fulix, Sundevall.

292. F . marila [lAnw.) Bsuivdi. Scaup Duck. Winter resident southward;

transient northward. Rather rare. Known as the "Black-head" (or "Big
Black-head"), "Blue-bill," &c.

*293. F. affinis (Eyt.) Baird. Lesser Scaup Duck. Chiefly transient, but

breeds in the northern part of the state [Jide Nelson, p. 141), and winters in

the southern portion. Much more abundant than the last. Known as " Little

Black-head," &c.

*294. F. collaris (Donov.)B?dvd. Ring-necked Duck. The same remarks

apply to this as to the preceding, but it is less numerous. One of the names by

which it is most frequently known is that of " Ring-bill."

Genus ^thya, Boie.

295. u'E. vallis7ieria {Wih.)Boie. Canvass-back Duck. Transient, or occa-

sionally wintering.

296. ^F. americana [Eyt.) Bp. American Pochard. Transient; occasionally

wintering. The "Red-head" of sportsmen.

Genus Clangula, Fleming.

297. C. islandica (Gmel.) Bp. Barrow's Golden-eye. Winter sojourner.

Occurs throughout the state.

298. C. glaucUini americana (Bp.) Ridgw. American Golden-eye. Winter^

sojourner.

299. C. «Z?j(?o?rt(Linn.)Steph. Buffle-head. Winter sojourner. Has vari-

ous popular names, as " Butter-ball," " Di-dipper," &c.

Genus Histrionicus, Lesson.

300. i/. w»»f»i!»,s (Linn.) Dresser. Harlequin Duck. Winter sojourner.

Occurring throughout the state.

Genus Harelda, Leach.

301. //. glacialis (Linn.) Leach. Long-tailed Duck. Winter sojourner.

Occurs, like the last, throughout the state on the larger streams.

Genus SoMATERiA, Leach.

302. S. mollissima dresseri (Sharpe) Coues. American Eider. Winter

visitant, chiefly on Lake Michigan.

303. 5. spectabUis [limn.) Boie. King Eider. Rare winter visitant (see

Nelson, p. 143).

Genus ffioEMiA, Fleming.

304. ffi. rtwer/cayjff (Sw. & Rich.) Black Scoter.' Winter sojourner, chiefly

on Lake Michieran.



Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. 201

Genus Melanetta, Boie.

305. ilf. re?i'e^iM« (Cass.) Baird. Velvet Scoter. Winter sojourner; of gen-

eral distribution, but most numerous on Lake Michigan.

Genus Pelionetta, Kaup.

306. P. ^crs^?ic/H«to (Linn.) Kaup. Surf Duck. Winter sojourner; occur-

ring on all the larger streams, as well as upon Lake Michigan.

Genus Erismatura, Bonaparte.

*307. E. rubida (Wilson) Bp. Ruddy Duck. Resident southward; sum-
mer sojourner northward.

Genus Mehcus, Linnanis.

308. M. merganser americanits (Cass.) Ridgw. BufF-breasted Sheldrake.

Winter sojourner.

*309. M. serrator, Linn. Red-breasted Merganser. Resident, but chiefly

transient; breeds (in northern counties) and winters (whole state) sparingly.

Genus Lophodttes, Reichenbach.

*310. L. f«f«??«f«s (Linn.) Reich. Hooded Sheldrake. Resident through-

out the state; breeds everywhere, in suitable localities. Almost as truly arboreal

as Aix sponsa (Summer Duck).

Order STEGANOPODES.

Family PELEGANID^. —Pelicans.

Genus Pelecanus.

311. P. eriithrorhynchus, Gmel. American White Pelican. Transient.

312. P.fnscus, Linn. Brown Pelican. Accidental. One seen at Lima
Lake, near Warsaw, Hancock county, by C. K. Worthen, in October, 1873. (See

Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, January, 1880, p. 31.)

Family PHALACROCORACID^—Cormorants.

Genus Piialacrocorax, Brisson.

313. P. dilophus (Sw. & Rich.) Nutt. Double-crested Cormorant. Rare

winter sojourner, but chiefly transient.

*313rt. P. dilophusJiorklanas (Aud.) Ridgw. Florida Cormorant; "Black

Loon." Summer sojourner. Abundant southward, where sometimes resident;

rare northward.

314. P. mexicnnus (Brandt) Scl. & Salv. Mexican Cormorant. Summe^^

visitant to extreme southern portion (Cairo, y?f7e C. K. Worthen; see Bull. Nutt.

Orn. Club, January. 1880, p. 31).

Family PLOTEID^E.—Anliingas or Darters.

Genus Pi.otus. Linnaeus.

*315. P. anhinga, Linn. Snake Bird. Summer sojourner in extreme

southern part of the state. Commonly known as the " Water Turkey."

F



202 Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

Older GAVI^:.

Family LARID^.—Gulls and Terns.

Genus RissA, Leach.

316. R. tridactyla (Linn.) Bp. Kittiwake Gull. Winter visitant to Lake

Michigan.

Genus Larus, Linnseus.

317. L. glaucus,'Qxunn. Glaucous Gull. Winter visitant to Lake Michigan.

318. L, leucopterus, Fabr. Winter sojourner on Lake Michigan.

319. L. marlnus, Linn. Great Black-backed Gull. Winter visitant to

Lake Michigan.

320. L. argentatns,'B'c\\x\n. European Herring Gull. Rare (or accidental

)

winter visitant to Lake Michigan (see Nelson, p. 145).

*320«. L. argenfatus smithsonianus, Coues. American Herring Gull.

Winter sojourner throughout the state. A few remain in summer, on or near

the larger bodies of water, but probably do not breed in our limits.

321. L. delatrarensis, Ord. Ring-billed Gull. Mainly transient, but

winter sojourner southward, and rare summer sojourner (but not breeding ?)

northward.

322. L. atricilla, Linn. Laughing Gull. Rare summer visitant southward.

323. L.franklim, Sw. & Rich. Franklin's Gull. Transient.

324. L. 2MladelpMce {0\:^.) (jvd^y. Bonaparte's Gull. Chiefly transient,

but sometimes wintering, while a few apparently remain in summer in certain

localities.

Genus Xema, Leach.

325. X. 8a&me« (J. Sabine) Leach. Fork-tailed Gull. Rare winter visitant

to Lake Michigan.

Genus Stekna, Linnseus.

326. S. angllca, Montag. Marsh Tern. Rare summer visitant.

327. S. caspia, Pall. Caspian Tern. Winter visitant.

328. S. regia, Gamb. Royal Tern. Summer visita,nt.

*329. S.fluviatilis, Naum. Common Tern. Mostly transient; abundant

in suitable places, especially northward, where a ^qw breed.

*330. S. forstev'u'Ru.tt. Forster's Tern. Summer sojourner.

331. S. rt«^(7Zflriurt (Less.) Coues. Least Tern. Summer visitant.

Genus Hydrochelidon, Boie.

*332. //. lariformis snnnamensis (Gmel.) Ridgw. Black Tern. Summer
sojourner. The most numerous and generally diffused species of the family.

Family STERCORARIID^.—The Skuas and Jaegers.

Genus Stercorarius, Brisson.

333. S. pomafor-hhms (Tcmm.) Pomarine Jaeger. Winter visitant to Lake
Michigan (Nelson, p. 145).

334. S. iMrasiticus (Linn.) Saunders. Long-tailed, or Buffon's Jaeger.

Casual winter visitant. (See Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, January, 1880, p. 31.)



Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. 203

Order PYGOPODES.

Faiiiilj PODICIPEDID^.
Genus Podiceps, Latham.

335. F. Jiolhdlll, Reinh. American Red-necked Grebe. Winter sojourner.

Genus Dytes, Kaup,

*336. D. aiiritiis (Linn.) Ridgw. Horned Grebe. Chiefly transient, but

wintering- southward and a few breeding northward.

337. D. nigricoUis califaniiciis (Heerm.) Ridgw. American Eared Grebe.

Winter sojourner.

Genus Podiltmbus, Lesson.

*338. P. j'JOf?/('(?/)i? (Linn.) Lawr. Thick-billed Grebe. Summer sojourner

northward; resident in southern counties.

Family COLYMBID^. -Loons.

Genus Coi.YMBL's, Linn:eus.

*339. C. torquatiis, Brtinn. Great Northern Diver; Loon. Chiefly winter

sojourner, but nests very sparingly in extreme northern portion of the state.

340. C. arcticus, Linn. Black-throated Diver. Rare winter visitant.

341. C. septenlrioiialis, Linn. Red-throated Diver. Winter sojourner.



204 Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

APPENDIX,

LIST OF SPECIES WHICH PROBABLY OCCUR IN ILLINOIS, BUT WHICH HAVE
NOT YET BEEN ACTUALLY TAKEN WITHIN THE

LIMITS OF THE STATE.

TUEDID^.—Thrashes.

Genus HESPEROcrcnLA, Bairtl.

1. H. mevia (Gmel.) Bah-d. Oregon Robin.—N. W.* Iowa (Allen, White's

Geol. Surv. Iowa, 1870, II., p. 419); New Jersey (TurnbuU, Birds E. Penn. and

New Jersey, 1869, 41; Allen, Pr. Essex Inst., 1864, 82); Long Island, N. Y.

(Lawrence, Ann. Lye. N. Y., 1866. 281); Ipswich, Mass., Del, 1864 (Allen, Am.
Nat., 1869, 572; Maynard, Nat. Guide, 1870, 89). Probably a winter visitant.

SITTID^. —Nuthatches.
Genus Sitta, Linnseus.

2. S^.'pusUla, Lath. Brown-headed Nuthatch.—S. E. To be looked for

among the pine- clad hills in the extreme southern part of the state. (Has been

recorded from St. Louis, Mo., and Ohio.)

MOTACILLIDJB.—Wagtails and Titharks.

Genus Neocoeys, Sclater.

3. N. spraguei (Aud.) Sol. Sprague's Lark.—W. Undoubtedly occurs on

the prairies during migrations, or in winter. A strictly prairie bird.

MNIOTILTID^.—American Warblers.

Genus Helminthophaga, Cabanis.

4. fl". &rtc7i/«ffj»' (Aud.) Caban. Bachman's Warbler.—S. E. (South Car-

olina and Florida.)

Genus Peuissoglossa, Baird.

5. P. carbonata (Aud.) Baird. Carbonated Warbler. Discovered by Au-

dubon in Kentucky, and therefore extremely likely to occur in Southern Illinois.

Known only from Audubon's description and figures.

Genus Dendrceca, Gray.

6. D. hirtlandi, Baird. Kirtland's Wa¥bler. A very rare species, orig-

inally discovered in Ohio (where specimens have more recently been obtained,

as well as in Michigan and in the Bermudas).

*The range of the species is indicated by initials, as N. W., S. E., &c., for the north-
western, southeastern, and other portions of the continent.



Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. 205

FEINGILLID^.—Finches.

Genus Centrophanes, Kaup.

7. C. oniaius (Towns) Caban. Chestnut-collared Longspur.—W. Undoubt-
edly to be found on the prairies, especially in northwestern portion of the state.

Strictly a prairie bird.

Genus Chrysomithis, Boie.

8. C. iiotata (Du Bus) Bp. Mexican Black-headed Goldfinch. Obtained by

Audubon at Henderson, Kentucky (the "C mac/eUaiiicits"' of Audubon's
works), and possibly straggles to Southern Illinois.

Genus Centronyx, Baird.

9. C. hairdi (And.) Baird. Baird's Bunting.—W. To be sought for on the

larger prairies. An inconspicuous species, easily overlooked.

Genus Passerculus, Bonaparte.

10. P. pvinceps, Maynard. Ipswich Sparrow.—N. E. To be looked for

among the sand-hills along the lake shore.

Genus Ammodromus, Swainson.

11. ^. j»rtn7/v»i?<s (Wilson) Sw. Sea-side Finch.—E.' Should be looked for

in the grassy marshes of the northeastern portion of the state, where it doubt-

less occurs along with A. caudacutus.

Genus ZoNOTRiCHiA, Swainson.

12. Z. coroMato (Pall.) Baird. Golden-crowned SpaiTOw.—N. W. Taken at

Racine, Wisconsin, in April, 1858, by Dr. Hoy (Nelson, p. 108).

Genus Zamelodia, Cones.

13. Z. «2e?oHocejj7ja?« (Swains.) Coues. Black-headed Grosbeak.—W. Has

been obtained in Michigan (Fox; reference not at hand).

Genus Calamospiza, Bonaparte.

14. C. hicolor (Towns.) Bp. Lark Bunting.—W. A bird of the Great

Plains, and undoubtedly occurring on the prairies of Illinois.

Genus Peuc^ea, Audubon.

15. P. cassini (Woodb.) Baird. Cassin's Finch.—S. W. Has been ob-

tained as far north as the prairies of middle Kansas (Allen, Bull. Mus. Comp.
Zool., 1872, 137), and may straggle to southwestern Illinois.

Genus Passehina, Vieillot.

16. P. versicolor {Bp.) GvAy. Varied Bunting.—S. W. (Has been taken

in Michigan
)

CORVID^.— Crows and Jays.

Genus Corvus, Linnaeus.

17. C. cri/ptoleitcKS, Conch. White-necked Raven.— S. W. A species readily

distinguishable from the common Raven only by its smaller size, all the white

of its plumage being on the bases of the feathers, and entirely concealed.

Known range extends from Western Texas to Wyoming. May occur in South-

western Illinois.



206 Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

18. C. ossifragu?!, Wils.—S. and E. A species supposed to be peculiar

to the vicinity of the sea-coast, but possibly ascendinof the Mississippi and its

larger affluents as far as Southern Illinois (see note on page 183).

Genus Perisoreus, Bonaparte.

19. P. co««f7e«s/s (Linn.) Bp. Canada .Jay.—N. Obtained by Dr. Hoy, near

Racine, Wisconsin, in the winter of 1859 (Nelson, p. 113). Possibly a very rare

winter visitant to the extreme northern portion of the state.

Genus Aphelocoma, Cabanis.

20. A.floridana (Bartr.) Caban. Florida Jay.—S. E. The Florida .Jay is

considered to be peculiar to a limited portion of the peninsula of Florida; but we
see no reason to suppose that its range is thus resti'icted. The laws of geo-

graphical distribution most emphatically suggest a wider distribution. Indeed,

it has been recorded from Kentucky by certain authors; and, though the evi-

dence upon which this record was based appears insufficient, it seems extremely

probable that, like Peuccea cestwalis, it may eventually be discovered far beyond

its previously known range. It is a species which inhabits thickets of bushes

or low trees, and should be carefully looked for in such localities, which, in the

form of "oak barrens " and the scrubby growth of crab-apple, wild plum, &c.,

abound in the southern part of Illinois.

TYRANNID^.—Tyrant Flycatchers.

Genus Tyrannus, Cuvier.

21. T. voctferans, Swains. Gassin's Kingbird.—S. W. A bird of the

Great Plains, ranging as far north as Cheyenne, Wyoming. May occur

in the semi-prairie districts of Western Illinois.

22. T. vertical-is, Say. Western Kingbird.—W. A great wanderer, hav-

ing been obtained at many eastern localities, as Iowa (Allen, Mem. Boston

Soc, L, 1868, 498); New Jersey (Turnbull, Birds E. Penn. & N. J., 1869, 41);

Maine (Bryant, Pr. Boston Soc, 1865, 96); and District of Columbia (Jouy,

Field and Forest, April, 1877, p. 178).

Genus Milvulus, Swainson.

23. M.ti/rannus {liimi.)'Bi>. Fork-tailed Flycatcher.— S. A tropical species,

but a great wanderer, having been obtained in several of the eastern United

States; e. g. Henderson, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Mississippi (Audubon).

24. M. forjicatHs {Gmel.) Sw. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.—S. W. Essen-

tially a southern species (but chiefly Mexican), and, like the preceding, a great

wanderer. Common in the semi-prairie districts from Texas to the Indian

territory, where known as the " Scissor-tail," and " Bird of Paradise." Has
occurred at Fort Riley, Kansas (Snow, Catal. Birds Kansas, 1873, 3), and at

Trenton, New Jersey (Abbott, Am. Nat. 1872, 367).

CAPRIMULGID^.—Goatsuckers.

Genus Phal/enoptilus, Ridgway.

2-5. P. nuttalli (Aud.) Ridgw. Poor-will.—W. Breeds as far east as

Eastern Kansas (Allen, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., II., 1872, 179; Snow, Catal.

Birds Kansas, 1872-3, 3). If occurring in- Illinois, would be found on the dryer

prairies.



Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois. 207

PICIDtE.—Woodpeckers.
Genus Prcus, Linnaeus.

26. P. qneruhis, Wils. Red-cockailecl Woodpecker.—E. and S. A species

partial, if" not peculiar, to pine woods, and therefore likely to be found

in the extreme southern part of the state.

Genus Picoides, Lacepede.

27. P. tfidactylus americaniis (Brehm) Ridgw. Handed Three-toed

Woodpecker.—N. Probably a rare winter visitant to the extreme northern part

of the state.

STRIGIDyE.-Owls.
Genus Nyctalk, Brehm.

28. X. tenfjmaJmi richtrdsom (Bp.) Ridjjw. Richardson's Owl.—N. Prob-

ably a rare winter visitant to extreme northern counties. Has been obtained in

Wisconsin by Dr. Hoy (.AV/e Coues, Birds Northwest, p. ol4), while Mr. Allen

gives it as found in Iowa*.

Genus Speotyto, Gloger.

29. S. cioilcularia hjfpog(ea (Bp.) Ridgw. Bun-owing Owl.—W. A species

of the plains and open country, breeding regularly as far east as Fort Hays,

Kansas (Allen, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., III., 1872, 180; Snow, Catal. Birds Kan-

sas, 1872, 2). Has also been obtained in Eastern Massachusetts and near New
York city (references not at hand).

FALCONID^E.—Hawks, etc.

Genus .Esalon, Kaup.

30. .E. richnrdsoni, Ridgw. Richardson's Merlin —N. W. A species

occun-ing throughout the whole extent of the Great Plains, and therefore likely

to occur in any prairie district. Has been obtained in Kansas (spec, in U. S.

Nat. Mus.), and in Michigan. (F. cesaloii, Fox,—reference forgotten, and not

now accessible to the writer.)

TETKAOKID^E. -Grouse.
Genus Can.vce, Reicheubach.

31. C. cnnitdenais (Linn ) Bp. Spruce Grouse.^N. Possibly a rare winter

visitant to extreme northern portion.

OHARADPJIDyE.—Plovers.

Genus Podasocys, Coues.

32. P. monfanus (Towns ) Coues. Mountain Plover.—W. Possibly oc-

curs on the dryer upland prairies. Has been obtained in Floiida (Maynard;

reference not at hand), and is a common species of the Great Plains west

of the Missouri river.

Genus .Egialites, iJoie.

3^3. A'L melodus (Ord.) Bp. Piping Plover.—E. Although we are unable

to give authority for the occurrence in Illinois of the typical form of this species,

*In his Catalogue of the Birds of Iowa, in White's Geol. Survey of Iowa.



208 Catalogue of the Birds of Illinois.

in which the black on the breast of the male is confined to two widely separated

bars on each side, it undoubtedly occurs as a straggler, and should be looked for,

especially along the lake shore.

. IBIDID^.—Ibises.

Genus Plegadis, Kaup.

34. P. i^Hrtrrnoirt (Linn.) Ridgw. White-faced Glossy Ibis.—S. W. Abun-

dant throughout the west, in suitable localities, from the lower Rio Grande to

the Columbia river, and doubtless straggles occasionally through the Missis-

sippi Valley.

ARDEID^.—Ilercns.

Genus Hydranassa, Baird.

35. H. tricolor Indorkiana (Wils.) Ridgw. Louisiana Heron.—S. Un-
doubtedly occurs in Southern Illinois. Has been observed in Indiana (near

Hanna, June, 1876; see Nelson, Ball. Nutt. Orn. Club, April, 1877, p. 51.)

ANATIDJil.—Ducks, Geese, and Swans.

Genus Chen, Boie.

36. C. rossi (Baird) Ridgw. Ross's Snow Goose.—N. W. Possibly an

occasional straggler in winter.

Genus Dendrocycna, Swainson.

87. D.fulva (Gmel.) Burm. Fulvous Tree Duck.—S. W. Possibly occurs

in the extreme south of the state.

Genus NoMONYx, Ridgway.

88. N. dominiciis (Linn.) Ridgw. Masked Duck.—S. Has been obtained

in Wisconsin and at Lake Chaiuplain (references not at hand).

LARID-^E.—Gulls, Terns, and Jaegers.

Genus Sterna, Linnaeus.

39. S. dougalli, Montag. Rosy Tern.—E. An Atlantic coast species, very

likely to occur on Lake Michigan. Is recorded from Northern Ohio (Wheaton,

Ohio Agric. Rep., 1860, 275).

40. S. macriira, Naum. Arctic Tern.—N. Doubtless a winter visitant to

the northern portion of the state. Is recorded from Northern Ohio (Wheaton,

1. c, 274).

Genus Hydrochelidon, Boie.

41. H. Jeucoptera (Weisn. & Schinz) Boie. White-winged Black Tern.

—

European Straggler. Possibly occurring as a straggler. Has been obtained in

Wisconsin (Coues, Check List, 1873, 575 his.]

PODICIPEDID^.—Grebes.

Genus ^chmophorus, Coues.

42. >^. occiWeuteWs (Lawr.) Coues. Western Grebe.—W. ' Possibly occur-

ring on the larger bodies of water.






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