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GAYLORD PRINTED IN U.S A
State of Connecticut
State Geological and Natural History Survey
BULLETIN No. 20
THE
BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT
Aap
By
JOHN HALL SAGE, M.S.
Secretary of the American Ornithologists’ Union
and
LOUIS BENNETT BISHOP, M.D.
Fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union
assisted by
WALTER PARKS BLISS, M.A.
CORNELL
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
és Z
LABORATORY
OF ORNITHOLOGY
LIBRARY
Gift of
/Hanpene Kith tose
BULLETINS
OF THE
State Geological and Natural History
Survey of Connecticut.
1. First Biennial Report of the Commissioners of the State
Geological and Natural History Survey, 1903-1904.
2. A Preliminary Report on the Protozoa of the Fresh
Waters of Connecticut: by Herbert William Conn.
3. A preliminary Report on the Hymeniales of Connecticut:
by Edward Albert White.
4. The Clays and Clay Industries of Connecticut: by Gerald
Francis Loughlin.
5. The Ustilaginee, or Smuts, of Connecticut: by George
Perkins Clinton.
6. Manual of the Geology of Connecticut: by William North
Rice and Herbert Ernest Gregory.
7. Preliminary Geological Map of Connecticut: by Herbert
Ernest Gregory and Henry Hollister Robinson.
8. Bibliography of Connecticut Geology: by Herbert Ernest
‘Gregory.
g. Second Biennial Report of the Commissioners of the
State Geological and Natural History Survey, 1905-1906.
1o. A preliminary Report on the Algz of the Fresh Waters
of Connecticut: by Herbert William Conn and Lucia Washburn
(Hazen) Webster.
11. The Bryophytes of Connecticut: by Alexander William
Evans and George Elwood Nichols.
12. Third Biennial Report of the Commissioners of the State
Geological and Natural History Survey, 1907-1908. :
13. The Lithology of Connecticut: by Joseph Barrell and
Gerald Francis Loughlin.
14. Catalogue of the Flowering Plants and Ferns of Con-
necticut growing without cultivation: by a Committee of the Con-
necticut Botanical Society.
15. Second Report on the Hymeniales of Connecticut: by
Edward Albert White.
16. Guide to the Insects of Connecticut: prepared under the
direction of Wilton Everett Britton. Part I. General Introduc-
tion: by Wilton Everett Britton. Part II. The Euplexoptera
and Orthoptera of Connecticut: by Benjamin Hovey Walden.
17. Fourth Biennial Report of the Commissioners of the
State Geological and Natural History Survey, 1909-IgI0.
18. Triassic Fishes of Connecticut: by Charles Rochester
Eastman.
19. Echinoderms of Connecticut: by Wesley Roscoe Coe.
20. The Birds of Connecticut: by John Hall Sage and Louis.
Bennett Bishop, assisted by Walter Parks Bliss.
21. Fifth Biennial Report of the Commissioners ef the State
Geological and Natural History Survey, 1911-1912.
Bulletins 1, 9, 12, 17, and 21 are merely administrative reports,
containing no scientific matter. The other bulletins may be classi-
fied as follows:
Geology: Bulletins 4, 6, 7, 8, 13, 18.
Botany: Bulletins 3, 5, 10, 11, 14, 15.
Zoology: Bulletins 2, 16, 19, 20.
These bulletins are sold and otherwise distributed by the
State Librarian. Postage, when bulletins are sent by mail, is as
follows: No. 1, $0.01; No. 2, .07; No. 3, .08; No. 4, .06; No. 5,
.03; No. 6, .12; No. 7, .06; No. 8, .05; No. 9, .02; No. 10, .08; No.
11, .07; No. 12, .02; No 13, .o8; No. 14, .16; No. 15, .06; No. 16,
.07; No. 17, .02; No. 18, .07; No. 19, .08; No. 20, .14; No. 21,
.02. The prices when the bulletins are sold are as follows (in-
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.35; No. 11, .30; No. 12, .05; No. 13, .40; No. 14, .75; No. 15, .35;
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Bulletins 1-5 are bound as Volume I. The price of this
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price of this volume is $2.45. Bulletins 13-15 are bound as Vol-
ume III. The price uf this volume is $2.50. Other volumes will
follow.
It is intended to follow a liberal policy in gratuituously dis-
tributing these publications to public libraries, colleges, and
scientific institutions, and to scientific men, teachers, and others
who require particular bulletins for their work, especially to those
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Applications or inquiries should be addressed to
GEORGE S. GODARD,
State Librarian,
Hartford, Conn.
*If map is mounted as a wall map, and sent by express, $1.60.
CATALOGUE SLIPS.
Connecticut. State geological and natural history survey.
Bulletin no. 20. The birds of Connecticut. By
J. H. Sage and L. B. Bishop, assisted by W. P. Bliss.
Hartford, 1913.
370 pp., 23°".
Sage, John Hall.
The birds of Connecticut. By John Hall Sage and
Louis Bennett Bishop, assisted by Walter Parks Bliss.
Hartford, 1913.
370 pp., 23e™.
(Bulletin no. 20, Connecticut geological and natural history survey. )
CATALOGUE SLIPS.
Bishop, Louis Bennett.
The birds of Connecticut. By John Hall Sage and
Louis Bennett Bishop, assisted by Walter Parks Bliss.
Hartford, 1918.
370 pp., 23,
(Bulletin no. 20, Connecticut geological and natural history survey. )
Bliss, Walter Parks.
The birds of Connecticut. By John Hall Sage and
Louis Bennett Bishop, assisted by Walter Parks Bliss.
Hartford, 1913.
370 pp., 23°,
(Bulletin no. 20, Connecticut geological and natural history survey. )
CATALOGUE SLIPS.
Biology.
Sage, J. H. The birds of Connecticut. By John
Hall Sage and Louis Bennett Bishop, assisted by Walter
Parks Bliss. Hartford, 1913.
370 pp., 23°".
(Bulletin no. 20, Connecticut geological and natural history survey. )
Birds,
Sage, J. H. The Birds of Connecticut. By John
. Hall Sage and Louis Bennett Bishop, assisted by Walter
_ Parks Bliss. Hartford, 1913.
370 pp., 23°,
(Bulletin no. 20, Connectieut geological and natural history survey. )
Dtate of Gonnecticut
PUBLIC DOCUMENT No. 47
State Geological and Natural
History Survey
COMMISSIONERS
Simeon Espen Batpwin, Governor of Connecticut (Chairman)
ARTHUR TWINING FlapLEY, President of Yale University
Witt1am ArRNoLD SHANKLIN, President of Wesleyan University
Fraver SwEETEN LutHer, President of Trinity College (Secretary)
Cuartes Lewis Beacu, President of Connecticut Agricultural College
SUPERINTENDENT
Wituiam Norte Rice
BULLETIN No. 20
HARTFORD
Printed for the State Geological and Natural History Survey
1913
PusLicaTION APPROVED BY THE
Boarp or ConTROL
The Case, Lockwood & Brainard Co,. Hartford, Conn.
The Birds of Connecticut
By
JOHN HALL SAGE, M.S.
Secretary of the American Ornithologists’ Union
and
LOUIS BENNETT BISHOP, M.D.
Fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union
assisted by
WALTER PARKS BLISS, M.A.
HARTFORD
Printed for the State Geological and Natural History Survey
1913
Contents
PAGE
Introduction - 7
Part I. Catalogue of the Birds of Connecticut : 13
Appendices to Part I - 183
1. Catalogue of Introduced Species and Doubt-
ful Species - 183
2. Statistical Summary 190
3. List of Observers referred to by initials or
by surnames 196
4. Bibliography 200
Part II. Economic Ornithology 259
Introduction
Facing Long Island Sound for practically all of its hundred
miles of southern border, Connecticut shows a succession of low,
rocky promontories and sandy beaches divided by shallow bays
and salt marshes. The latter stretch for varying distances north-
ward, but soon give place to rather broad stream valleys, sepa-
rated by gently rising hills. These hills, usually low and rounded
at the coast, when not dikes or sheets of trap, as near New Haven,
become rapidly more mountainous in the northwestern part of the
state, culminating in Bear Mountain in the extreme corner, 2,354
feet in altitude and sixty miles from the Sound.
The soil of these hills is usually poor and shallow, while that
of many of the valleys is deep and rich, so that, while the low-
lands are well cultivated and thickly settled, the uplands are gen-
erally left to brush land or forest. From this configuration it will
be evident that most of the streams are short and flow in a south-
erly direction. Three main river courses cross the state: — the
Thames on the east, which for its lower quarter is practically an
arm of the sea, and above that hardly more than a small stream;
the Connecticut, which passes through the center, in a broad and
fertile valley in its upper course, and in a narrow valley hemmed
in by highlands below Portland; and the Housatonic in the western
part, with a narrow and much more mountainous valley. Appar-
ently the Connecticut and upper Housatonic valleys and the south-
ern coast line are highways for the migration of our birds in
spring, and the coast line certainly is in fall, but our information
on this point is at present very incomplete.
The woodland consists chiefly of deciduous trees, though hem-
locks and cedars are common, and groves of white pine and
spruce still exist in the northwestern portion.
Shut off from the ocean by Long Island, strictly pelagic birds
are seldom found in Connecticut, but for many other species it
is particularly fitted as regards climate and topography. Over 135
\
8 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY, [Bull.
species nest more or less regularly within its borders, and it is
probable there are few localities in our country where so many
can be found within so circumscribed an area. Almost the entire
state lies in the Alleghenian Zone, where such birds as the Ruffed
Grouse, Red-shouldered Hawk, Kingbird, Least Flycatcher, Bobo-
link, Baltimore Oriole, Goldfinch, Towhee, Indigo Bunting, Scar-
let Tanager, Red-eyed, and Warbling Vireos, Black and White,
Yellow, and Chestnut-sided Warblers, Catbird, Brown Thrasher,
Chickadee, Wood, and Wilson’s Thrushes, nest abundantly. Along
the southern border and for some distance up the Housatonic and
Connecticut valleys, the breeding, often in abundance, of such
species as the Clapper Rail, Fish Crow, Acadian Flycatcher,
Orchard Oriole, Seaside Sparrow, White-eyed Vireo, Worm-
eating, Blue-winged, Prairie, Hooded, and Kentucky Warblers,
Louisiana Water-thrush, and Yellow-breasted Chat brings this dis-
trict within the northern limits of the Carolinian Zone; while the
occasional, and in some cases regular, breeding of the Canadian
Ruffed Grouse, Goshawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Alder Fly-
catcher, Savannah, and White-throated Sparrows (?), Blue-headed
Vireo, Black-throated Blue, Magnolia (?), Blackburnian, and
Canadian Warblers, Winter Wren (?), Red-breasted Nuthatch,
and Hermit Thrush, in the northwestern part of Litchfield County,
shows at least strong Canadian elements in the avifauna, though
it may not be enough to include that district in the Canadian
Zone.
Interest in our birds must have existed among many in the
earlier days of Connecticut, and scattered references to them may
be found in many volumes; but the first definite list of the birds
of the state was written by the Rev. James H. Linsley, of Strat-
ford,’ and published in the American Journal of Science and Arts
in 1843. He recorded! 302 species, but of these Dr. Merriam? con-
cluded that only 239 distinct species had been reported on satis-
factory evidence. He recorded several birds that have not since
been reported from our state, and some of his specimens are still
in the Peabody Museum of Yale University, and others in the
collection of the Bridgeport Scientific Society.
1A Catalogue of Birds of Connecticut, arranged according to their natural
families; by the Rev. James H. Linsley. Am, Jour. Sci. and Arts, vol. xliv, No.
2, pp. 249-74, April, 1843.
2 Merriam, Review of the Birds of Connecticut, p. 144.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 9
Thirty-four years later Dr. C. Hart Merriam prepared a list
with copious and valuable annotations, which was published in
the Transactions of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Science
in 1877.1. This work is a model of its kind, but has been long
out of print. Dr. Merriam was able to notice 291 species with
good claims to inclusion in our avifauna; and of these several
have not been taken since in our state.
Thirty-four years have again passed, during which enormous
strides have been taken in the knowledge of the birds of our
entire country. We wish we could say the knowledge of Con-
necticut ornithology had kept pace. But it has not. The birds of
certain localities near the larger cities are well known, but there
are still large districts — in fact the greater portion — of the state
from which no records have reached us. Ornithologists in Con-
necticut are far too few, and many of them have little time to
devote to this study; but all have responded most generously to
our appeal for assistance, as the following pages will show. This
list is based primarily on the notes and collections of Mr. Sage
and Dr. Bishop, obtained through field work in Connecticut dur-
ing the past 45 and 30 years respectively. The migration dates
for Portland and New Haven, given without quotation of author-
ity, are taken from their field notes, as are all other statements
and dates for which the name of the authority is not cited.
Practically all the other records from the western portion of the
state and from New London were given to Dr. Bishop, either in
the form of specimens, by notes, or by word of mouth, by the
gentlemen to whom they are accredited; and he is entirely re-
sponsible for the chapter on Economic Ornithology. For the
citation of most of the other published and unpublished records
Mr. Sage is to be credited, while Mr. Bliss has found some in
ornithological literature. To Mr. Bliss has fallen the task of tabu-
lating Mr. Sage’s records of the past 45 years, which press of
other duties prevented Mr. Sage doing himself, searching ornitho-
logical works for records, preparing much of the bibliography,
as well as the index, etc., and combining all the notes into as
harmonious a whole as is possible in a work of this character.
For cordial cooperation and assistance our hearty thanks are
due to Prof. A. E. Verrill, Dr. Leonard C. Sanford, Rev. Her-
1Review of the Birds of Connecticut with Remarks on their Habits, by C.
Hart Merriam. Trans. Conn. Acad., vol. iv, pp. 1-150, July, 1877.
10 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
bert K. Job, Harry W. Flint, J. B. Robertson, Clarence R.
Hooker, Aretas A. Saunders, Clifford H. and Dwight B. Pang-
burn, Philip L. Buttrick, and Alfred W. Honywill, Jr., of New
Haven; Lewis B. Woodruff and Prof. C. C. Trowbridge, of New
York; William H. Hoyt, Louis H. Porter, and John Schaler, of
Stamford; Dr. E. H. Eames, Henry W. Beers, and George L.
Hamlin, of Bridgeport; Jesse C. A. Meeker, of Danbury; E. H.
Austin, of Gaylordsville; H. Cornelius and Robert C. Judd, of
Bethel; James H. Hill, of New London; Alanson Ganung, of
West Haven; Willard E. Treat, of East Hartford; C. G. Hart,
of East Berlin; and many others; who have contributed records
of value. Mr. Walter R. Nichols, often mentioned in Dr. Mer-
riam’s catalogue, also gave his ready help, but him our thanks
can no longer reach; and the same is true of the late Mr. E. Sey-
mour Woodruff, whose initials appear so frequently in the fol-
lowing pages. A careful and conscientious observer, with won-
derfully keen eyes and ears, an enthusiastic and able naturalist,
a firm friend and a delightful companion, he was taken at the
beginning of a most promising career, leaving all who knew him
to mourn him. We wish also to add our tribute to the faithful-
ness and reliability of Judge John N. Clark, who died in 1903,
and whose letters and published records are often quoted in this
Bulletin. A thorough and painstaking ornithologist, he did more
perhaps than any one else to increase our knowledge of the breed-
ing habits of certain birds along the southern border of Con-
necticut.
That this list is in many ways unsatisfactory and incomplete
the authors realize all too well; but they hope that it may be a
stimulus to others to fill up the gaps by conscientious collecting,
never being satisfied with an “ opera-glass record” of any spe-
cies that is at all rare, or with which they are not perfectly
familiar. Field-glasses are of great assistance in the study of
the habits of birds, and in identifying species with which one is
already familiar; but every field ornithologist knows that the
play of light and shadow often distorts colors and size so that
the bird in the hand may prove a very different species from
what it appeared in the tree. Therefore records of species out
of their accustomed habitat should always be received with doubt
unless accompanied by the bird itself. No one need fear that
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. II
such collecting will prevent a species from establishing itself in
our state; for experience has shown that birds have their nat-
ural limits, within which alone they can rear young successfully,
and that the reason any given species of North American bird
does not nest with us is that for some cause it finds the conditions
in the season of reproduction unfavorable, or that it is unable to
survive our winters, unless it is destroyed for sport or millinery.
The vain attempts of the Carolina Wren to obtain a foothold in
southern Connecticut are a case in point. Practically all our exact
knowledge of the usefulness of birds has been obtained by the
labor of ornithologists, often undertaken without thought of
pecuniary reward ; and it seems the height of ingratitude and folly
to impede their future work by the imposition of burdensome
regulations regarding collecting, or to forbid collecting entirely,
as has been done by some legislatures. For, if there is one thing
that is evident to those who have done much field work in
ornithology, it is that the collecting of birds and eggs for scien-
tific purposes, even by boys, can never appreciably reduce their
numbers, as long as they are protected from too much slaughter
in the name of sport, and their eggs and young are guarded
from cats, which probably do as much damage to the young
of our small useful birds near our towns and cities as all other
agencies combined.
Part |
Catalogue
OF THE
Birds of Connecticut
Catalogue of the Birds of Connecticut.
e
Order PYGOPODES. Diving Birds,
Suborder COLYMBI. Grebes.
Family COLYMBIDE. Grebes.
Colymbus holbeelli (Reinhardt). Holbcell’s Grebe.
A rare winter resident of Long Island Sound from November
to March; very rare inland.
Earliest record. Portland, Oct. 30, 1895.
Latest record. Portland, May 3, 1889.
Connecticut records. Linsley recorded this species from Strat-
ford ;+ Oct. 19, 1860, Hartford, one shot (reported by Dr. Crary) ;!
Feb. 23, 1875, Saybrook; one taken (J. H. S.); Feb. 21, 1885,
New Haven (G. E. V., in Peabody Museum) ; spring, 1887 (?),
Milford, one taken (in coll. of L. C. S.); May 3, 1880, one; April
14, 1894, one; Oct. 30, 1895, one, Portland (in coll. of J. H. S.);
Nov. 16, 1895, Stony Creek, female taken (E. M. Cooper, in
coll. of L. B. B.); Feb. 20, 1899, Bridgeport, young male taken
(J. H. Canfield, in coll. of Mr. Beers) ; Feb. 27, 1902, Saybrook,
one taken (J. N. C.); Jan., 1904, New Haven (in coll. of L.
C. S.); April, 1904, Kent, one shot (recorded by H. K. J.) 3
Jan. 26, 1905, Danbury, one picked up exhausted and kept some
time (Bristol, recorded by J. C. A. M., now in coll. of L. B. B.);
Feb. 6, 1908, Gaylordsville, one found alive (G. A. Clute, in coll.
of L. B. B.); Dec. 28, 1909, one; Oct. 15, 1910, Portland, one
(in coll. of J. H. S.).
Colymbus auritus Linneus. Horned Grebe.
Formerly a common fall migrant and winter resident on Long
Island Sound from October to May ;? much rarer in recent years.
Never common in the interior of the state.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 137.
2Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 288.
16 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 12, 1882; Portland, Oct.
19, 1877.
Latest record. New Haven, March 16, 1894; Portland, May
3, 1889.
Recent records. Nov. 6, 1905, Sept. 28, 1906, Litchfield (E.
S. W.) ; Nov. 3, 1906, Guilford (L. B. B.) ; Oct. 6, and Nov. 9,
1906, Stony Creek (L. B. B.) ; May, 1906, Litchfield (H. K. J.) ;*
Oct. 21, 1907, New Haven (A. A. S.); Feb. 25, 1909, Portland
(J. H. S.).
Breeding records. Mr. Job believes a pair bred in Litchfield
County in 1906. The following specimens in breeding plumage
are recorded for this state: North Haven, April 24, 1883; New
Haven, May, 1888 (L. C. S.); Portland, May 3, 1889 (in coll.
of J. H. S.); Stamford, May 8, 1893 (in coll. of Mr. Porter).
The Horned Grebe has been recorded from the following
inland localities: Haddam (J. H. S.); Litchfield (E. S. W. and
H. K. J.); Melrose (C. A. Thompson) ;? Portland (J. H. S.);
East Hartford (W. E. T.).
Podilymbus podiceps (Linnzus).° Pied-billed Grebe.
A common fall migrant in September and October on fresh-
water ponds and on the creeks of the tide-water marshes. Very
rare in the spring.
Average fall migration. Sept. 15 — Oct. 20.
Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 30, 1895; Portland, Sept.
Io, 1893. :
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 25, 1882; Portland, Nov.
22, 1893.
Spring records. April 7, 1892, Stratford (C. K. A., in coll.
of Bpt. Sci. Soc.) ; April 13, 1895, and April 19, 1905, Portland
(J. H. S.); April 12-14, 1906, New Haven (A. A. S.); April
2-23, 1910, West Haven (H. K. J.) ; May 6, 1910, West Haven
(L. B. B.).
Breeding records. E. H. A. informs us that he has seen this
bird almost every month in the year on the ponds in Litchfield
County, and believes that they breed there. Mr. N. D. Betts of
Boulder, Colo., records* seeing five adults on a pond in Wilton,
1Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 287.
20. and O., viii, 1, p. 3.
3Bird-Lore, xii, 5, Pp. 199.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 17
Conn., July 21, 1909, one of which was feeding four young.
These young did not appear to be over five or six inches long, and
must have been hatched at the pond. Merriam? and Samuels?
both note that this species breeds within the state, though neither
mentions any specific records.
Suborder CEPPHI. Loons and Auks.
Family GAVIIDZ. Loons.
Gavia immer (Briinnich). Loon. Great Northern Diver.
A common winter resident of Long Island Sound from Novem-
ber to May, the majority going farther south in the winter. Occa-
sional on the inland waterways. Very rare in the summer.
Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 10, 1883; Portland, Sept.
26, 1892.
Latest record. New Haven, May 24, 1900, and 1907
(C. H. P.); Portland, July 6, 1893.
Inland records. Portland, Dec. 1, 1874, Dec. 2, 1877, Nov. 7,
1890, Sept. 26, 1892, July 6, 1893; Litchfield, Nov. 6, 1905, and
Sept. 28, 1906 (E. S. W.); Lake Waramaug, Litchfield County
(no date given) ;? East Hampton.*
Breeding records. Merriam notes* that according to Mr. W.
G. Buell this species “ has been known to breed on a pond at East
Hampton.” Mr. W. R. Nichols informs us that a pair bred at
Lake Saltonstall in 1890, since he saw the old birds with two young
there the last of June or early in July of that year, and that the
last previous record of their breeding on this lake was in 1878.
Summer records. July 24, 1882, Goose Island, Long Island
Sound, one pair (L. B. B.); July 6, 1893, Portland, one young
female (J. H. S.).
Gavia stellata (Pontoppidan). Red-throated Loon.
A rather common winter resident along the coast from Novem-
ber to March. Very rare inland.
Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 20, 1883; Portland, Oct.
10, 1892; Branford, Oct. 7, 1908, an adult in summer plumage
(L. C. S.).
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 137.
2Samuels, Birds of New England, p. 563.
80. and O., ix, 6, p. 76.
4Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 136.
2
18 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [ Bull.
Latest record. New Haven, April 23, 1887 (L. B. W.) ; Bran-
ford, April 30, 1888 (W. H. Gardner).
Inland records. Portland, Oct. 10, 1892, a young female (in
coll. of J. H. S.); Hartford, Nov. 20, 1895, a young bird found
alive on the street, probably after being caught in the electric
wires in the fog.
Only rarely are birds taken in the full nuptial plumage, as
most go north in March before assuming this dress.
Mr. Nichols informed Mr. Merriam? “that he saw one as late
as June 2, 1877.”
Family ALCID/. Auks, Murres, and Puffins.
Subfamily rHunaz. Auklets, Murrelets, and Guillemots.
Cepphus grylle (Linneus). Black Guillemot.
The only record for this species in Connecticut is that of a
male, received by J. H. S. from Mr. Gurdon Trumbull, taken at
Stony Creek in December, 1887.?
Subfamily Atcinz. Auks and Murres.
Uria lomvia lomvia (Linnzeus). Briinnich’s Murre.
An irregular and probably accidental winter visitor to Long
Island Sound; found occasionally on the ponds in the interior of
the state.
Usual visitation between Dec. 1 and Jan. 15.
Earliest record. Portland, Nov. 21, 1901; Rocky Hill, Nov.
18, 1893 (W. E. T.).
Latest record. Saybrook, Feb. 19, 1878 (J. N. C.).
Records for Connecticut. Feb. 19, 1878, Saybrook (J. N. C.);
Jan., 1884, Saybrook (Dr. Pratt); Jan. 7, 19, 1891, Stamford
(Hoyt and Schaler); Jan. 13, 1891, common at Stony Creek
(W. F. Davis) ; Nov. 18, 1893, Rocky Hill (W. E. T.) ;? Dec. 11,
1894, Essex (E. Saunders) ; Dec. 14, 22, 1894, Portland (J. H.
S.) ; Dec. 15, 1894, Stamford (Hoyt) ; Dec. 1894, Lake Saltonstall
(A. J. G.); Jan. 1, 1895, Stony Creek (E. M. Cooper); Dec.,
1896, New Haven (L. C. S.); winter, 1900-1, Saybrook (J. N.
C.); Nov. 21, 29, Dec. 14, 1901, Portland (J. H. S.); Dec. 6,
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 136.
2J. H. S., Auk, vii, 3, p. 283.
8 Auk, xii, 2, p. 177.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 19
1901, New Haven (C. A. Dorman) ; Dec., 1901, Still River, Litch-
field County (H. K. J.) ; Dec., 1907, Twin Lakes (C. S. Phelps).
According to C. K. A.? this species occurred in great numbers
along the Connecticut coast during the winter of 1890-1. Hoyt
(Stamford) reported them plentiful there from Dec. 20 to Feb. 10
of that winter, he himself seeing fourteen. At that same time
D. C. Sanford reported “thousands of them” in the vicinity of
the mouth of the Saugatuck River.
The Murre taken by Capt. Brooks near Faulkner’s Island
“about eight years ago” and recorded by Dr. Merriam as Uria
troile is a bird of this species.
This species was not recorded in Linsley’s or Merriam’s list.
Alca torda Linnzus. Razor-billed Auk.
The only Connecticut reference to this species is by Merriam,
who merely states that it is “a rare winter visitor in the Sound”.
Specimens have since been recorded from points farther south
(Cobb’s Island and Norfolk, Va.).
Subfamily ALtIn#%. Dovekies.
Alle alle (Linnzus). Dovekie. Little Auk.
A rare winter visitant on the coast. Very rare inland.
Coast records. Nov. 25, 1874, Saybrook, picked up on beach
after a severe storm (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Nov. 26, 1877, Morris
Cove, New Haven (in Peabody Museum) ; Oct., 1879, two, Guil-
ford (in Peabody Museum) ; Jan. 15, 1891, Stony Creek (in coll.
of J. H. S.); Feb. 16, 1894, Stony Creek (in coll. of Mr. Porter) ;
c. Dec. 10, 1893, Stonington.*
Inland records. Nov. 10, 1849, Portland (Wood) ;? Nov.,
1871, Middletown (G. B. Goode) ;* Sept., 1874, Wallingford (W.
F, Lane) ;? Dec. 7, 1877, Portland (W. W. C.); Nov. 23, 1878,
Pomfret, blown inland during severe gale (in coll. of C. M.
Jones) ®
1Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 289.
2C. K. Averill, Auk, viii, 3, pp. 307-8.
3Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 138.
4N. Y. Tribune, Dec. 10, 1893.
50. and O., viii, 4, Pp. 32
20 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Order LONGIPENNES. Long-winged Swimmers.
Family STERCORARIIDA. Skuas and Jaegers.
Stercorarius parasiticus (Linneus). Parasitic (or Richard-
son’s) Jaeger.
Merriam refers to this species as a “rare winter visitor.’
Linsley notes it from Bridgeport.
Taken at Portland, fall of 1875 (J. H. S.); at Noank, Sept.
10, 1903 (Dr. C. B. Graves, in coll. of J. H. S.).
Stercorarius longicaudus Vieillot. Long-tailed Jaeger.
The only record of this species appears in Merriam’s Birds of
Connecticut, p. 131. “I have just received from Wm. F. Lane, a
beautiful adult specimen of this Larine plunderer, which he shot
on the Community Lake at Wallingford, Conn., Aug. 30th, 1873.”
Family LARID/E. Gulls and Terns.
Subfamily Larinz. Gulls.
Rissa tridactyla tridactyla (Linneus). Kittiwake.
A very rare winter visitant on the coast.
April 2, 1880, large numbers in the Thames River, Norwich
(S. T. H.) ? Nov. 15, 1883, one brought to the Peabody Museum
and seen in the flesh by L. B. B.; Dec. 3, 1884, one seen alive at
West Haven by L. B. B.; Dec. 11, 1886, and March 19, 1887,
seen at New Haven by L. B. W.; Jan. 21, 1895, a young male
taken at Stamford (in coll. of Mr. Schaler).
Larus leucopterus Faber. Iceland Gull.
The only record for Connecticut is a young male which was
shot by a fisherman between Rye and Stamford, March 3, 1894,
and is now in the collection of L. H. Porter.*
Larus kumlieni Brewster. Kumlien’s Gull.
A young female in the collection of Mr. Porter was shot in
Stamford Harbor, Feb. 16, 1894.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 131.
30. and O., vi, 4, p. 31.
3 Auk, xii, 1, p. 76.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 21
Larus marinus Linneus. Great Black-backed Gull.
A rather rare and very shy winter resident of the Sound.
Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 10, 1883, Oct. 11, 1886
(L. B. W.).
Latest record. New Haven, Jan. 19, 1895, April 2, 1887
(L. B. W.).
Larus argentatus Pontoppidan. Herring Gull.
An abundant winter resident on the Sound and along the in-
land waterways.
Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 14, 1883; Portland, Oct.
6, 1892.
Latest record. New Haven, May 24, 1900; Portland, April
20, 1908.
During the day these birds are abundant in New Haven Har-
bor, but the majority do not sleep there, for they may be seen
flying west along the coast toward sunset and returning from that
direction about sunrise.
Small flocks may often be seen during the migration in May
flying high in an easterly direction and at some distance inland.
A large flight, estimated at over 1,000 birds, in flocks of from
three to twelve individuals, was seen at Hartford, March 20, 1889,
by W. E. Treat.
Larus delawarensis Ord. Ring-billed Gull.
A rare fall migrant on the coast.
Connecticut records. Nov. 29, 1886, West Haven (L. B. W.) ;
Oct. 19, 1893, Stamford (in coll. of Mr. Porter) ; Dec. 6, 1893,
Stamford (in coll. of Mr. Schaler) ; Dec. 4, 1896, Stony Creek
(J. E. Cooper, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Oct. 23, 1905, Oct. 7, 1908,
Branford (L. C. S., the latter in coll. of L. B. B.).
Merriam asserts that it is not rare and that the young of this
species may frequently be seen in the winter associated with L.
argentatus.
Larus atricilla Linneus. Laughing Gull.
At present only an accidental summer visitor. Never common.
Linsley found it at Stonington. Mr. Osborne informed Dr.
Merriam that he had seen one, June 1, 1876.1 +
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 132.
22 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
The only recent record is that of L. C. S., who saw an adult in
breeding plumage, followed by a young bird, at Branford, Sept.
I, 1904.
Larus philadelphia (Ord). Bonaparte’s Gull.
A rather rare late fall migrant and occasional winter resident
on the Sound. Rare inland.
Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 10, 1883, Oct. 11, 1889
(L. B. W.); Stamford, Sept. 15, 1904 (Schaler).
Latest record. New Haven, Dec. 29, 1884, Jan., 1887 (E. F.
Coe). ‘
Inland records. Litchfield, July 1, 1892 (examined by L. B.
W. and E. S. W.) ; Sept. 24, 1895, four (E. S. W.) ; April, 1905
(in coll. of Litchfield Sci. Soc.) ;} Haddam Neck, Nov. 17, 1900
(in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Wallingford, fall, 1874 (eight seen by W.
F. Lane).
Summer records. Litchfield, July 1, 1892; Saybrook, Aug.
8, 1896 (A. Taylor, in coll. of J. H. S.).
Formerly “ quite common about Faulkner’s Island, Conn., in
October and November” and occasionally seen “ at Goose Island
in the summer ”.?
Subfamily Sterninz. Terns,
Sterna hirundo Linnzus. Common Tern.
A rather rare though formerly common*® summer resident,
breeding in a few small colonies on islands in the Sound and in
the extensive salt marshes of the eastern part of the state.
Breeding sites. Prior to 1898, when the Government took
over Great Gull Island on Long Island Sound for coast defense
fortifications, this island was the location of a colony of 7000 terns.
Since their dispersion at this time they have taken all the available
islands off the Connecticut shore for nesting sites, where from one
to a dozen pairs may be found every season. These include
Goose I. (near Faulkner’s I.), Duck I. (near Saybrook), Goose
Rock (south of Niantic), Waterford I. (Niantic Bay), Two Tree
I. (Millstone Point), Liddy’s I. and Rocky I. (near Stonington)
(Hill). A few formerly bred on Goose Island.*
1Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 289.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 132-3.
8Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 133.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT, 23
On the mainland also this species occasionally breeds. L. B.
B. found about twenty-five pairs breeding on the salt marshes
at the mouth of the Hammonasset River, Clinton, June 23, 1904.
Another colony of a dozen pairs was found at Grove Beach, Clin-
ton, June 16, 1900, by Messrs. J. B. Canfield and C. H. Watrous.
Nest. The eggs are either laid on the sand of the beach or in
hollows in the drift seaweed lying on the wet salt marsh.
Eggs, 2 to 5; average set, 3.
Nesting dates. Earliest record, May 25, 1900, three eggs
(Hill). Latest record, July 24, 1882, one egg (L. B. B.).
In the fall migration this tern is occasionally common in the
western part of the Sound. Mr. Hoyt reported them abundant
at Stamford in August, 1894. L. B. B. saw them in Wést Haven
as late as Sept. 20, 1889, and Sept. 27, 1901.
Sterna paradisza Briinnich. Arctic Tern.
In 1876 Merriam recorded the Arctic Tern as “a rare visitor
to our shores”. The only specific reference to its occurrence in
Connecticut is from J. N. C. of Saybrook, who wrote: “I have
an undoubted specimen in the fall plumage of the young, taken
here last season— never captured a mature bird.”?
Sterna dougalli Montagu. Roseate Tern.
Formerly an abundant summer resident. At present, very
rare.
On Goose Island, about one mile from Faulkner’s Island, a
colony of several hundreds of these birds was carefully protected
by Capt. O. N. Brooks, the keeper of the Faulkner Light, until
he resigned in 1883. It is of this colony that Merriam writes:
“ They cover the rocks, almost hiding them from view. . . . The
eggs were now hatching and thousands of downy young covered
the island.” This colony was visited by L. B. B. in the summer of
1881, 1882, and 1883, when many eggs were found and numerous
birds seen, but in 1884 not a bird was to be seen and the ground
was strewn with fresh or broken eggs. Practically the entire
colony had been killed by a taxidermist soon after the birds had
settled there for the summer. A few returned to the island the
following year, when L. B. B. found one nest with two eggs and
Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 133.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 133-4.
24 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
four with one egg each, but these terns are no longer common
anywhere along the coast. The last record is a set of five eggs
from Goose Island in 1888.
According to Hill, a few still breed with the Common Terns
on the different islands, though he has not identified any eggs as
positively belonging to this species.
The Roseate Tern was formerly common also in Stamford
Harbor, though it is not found there now (Hoyt).
Sterna antillarum (Lesson). Least Tern.
Formerly common in certain localities along the coast. No
recent records.
J. N. C. reported them as quite abundant at Saybrook during
migrations. (This was prior to 1876.) Linsley took it at Strat-
ford.1 They were also formerly common at Stamford Harbor
according to Hoyt, but never occur there at present.
Sterna fuscata Linneus. Sooty Tern.
The following records appear from Connecticut: 1876, Say-
brook, picked up stunned by concussion with a wharf depot (in
coll. of J. N. C.) ;? Sept., 1876, two adults killed themselves by
flying against the Faulkner Light (one in coll. of Capt. Brooks) ;?
summer, 1876, specimen killed with a stone by Mr. E. Coe, Stony
Creek ;? Sept. 20, 1876, specimen taken at Granby ;? Sept. 16, 1878,
a young male knocked down with an oar in Stamford Harbor (in
coll. of Mr. Porter) ;* Oct., 1891, one found dead in the woods at
Torrington after a severe storm.*
Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis (Gmelin). Black Tern.
A rare visitor, usually late in August.
Connecticut records. Aug. 25, 1891, Stamford, a young female
(in coll. of Mr. Porter); Aug. 29, 1892, Little River Marshes,
Middletown, four, one secured (in coll. of J. H. S.); Aug. 24,
1893, Milford, two shot;> Aug. 29, 1893, Quinnipiac Marshes,
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 134.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 134-5.
3Auk, xii, 1, p. 86.
4Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 289.
5SForest & Stream, xli, p. 250.
No. 20. ] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 25
New Haven, a flock of between thirty and forty, probably driven
from their course by a southeast gale (L. B. B.) ; fall, 1899 (7),
Old Park Pond, Winsted,? one seen; Sept. 6, 1909, Hammonasset
Marshes, Clinton, one young shot (C. R. Hooker, in coll. of L.
B. B.). Dr. Merriam records it as a rare visitor, noting but two
specimens, one taken near Goose Island by Capt. Brooks (about
1864), another shot late in August at Milford.?
Family RYNCHOPIDA. Skimmers.
Rynchops nigra Linneus. Black Skimmer.
One was taken near the Yale boat-house in New Haven Har-
bor about June 16, 1883, and was identified, June 18, by L. B. B.
Judge John N. Clark wrote J. H. S., Nov. 8, 1894: “A Black
Skimmer was killed here (Saybrook) a few days ago.”
Order TUBINARES. Tube-nosed Swimmers.
Family PROCELLARIID, Fulmars, Shearwaters, and Petrels.
Subfamily FuLMarin#&. Fulmars,
Fulmarus glacialis glacialis (Linneus). Fulmar.
A single bird of this species was shot by A. H. V. at the Thim-
ble Islands, Stony Creek, Oct. 10, 1909, and brought to L. C. S.
in the flesh. It is now in the collection of L. C. S. This is the
only record for Connecticut, except the doubtful reference in
Linsley’s list, of which Merriam does not consider he had sufficient
proof.’
Subfamily Purrininz. Shearwaters and Petrels.
Puffinus gravis (O’Reilly). Greater Shearwater.
According to Merriam (1876), “not rare in winter off the
coast, but generally keeps outside the Sound.” Linsley recorded
it as common about Stonington. Merriam further notes that “in
the Museum of Wesleyan University at Middletown is the head of
a bird of this species which is said to have been killed at Granby,
Conn.’
1Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 290.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 135.
Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 146.
4Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 136.
26 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull
Subfamily ProceLtarinz. Storm Petrels.
Oceanodroma leucorhoa (Vieillot). Leach’s Petrel.
Pelagic. Rarely seen within the limits of this state.
Connecticut records. Oct. 27, 1857, one shot by Geo. Meigs
on the Connecticut River above Hartford ;! Merriam also records
(1876) that he himself has “twice seen it on the Sound in the
vicinity of Faulkner’s Island, and near New Haven;” Sept. 17,
1903, a female picked up in Middletown, driven inland by a terrific
storm; .Oct. 18, 1904, a specimen killed in Portland (both the
latter in coll. of J. H. S.); Oct., 1904, one taken by Mr. James
Truelove on Lake Wononscopomus, Lakeville (in coll. of
L. B. B.). Mr. Wm. Hansen reports seeing a mounted bird
which was found dead in Torrington, Sept., 1902.?
Subfamily Oceanitinz. Long-legged Storm Petrels.
Oceanites oceanicus (Kuhl). Wilson’s Petrel.
We have no specific records of this species. Merriam char-
acterizes it as “ not common; occurs off the coast in summer.’”?
Linsley says that he has seen this species “ not only in our Sound,
but even west of Stratford.”* Mr. Holt of Lyme told W. E. T.
that this species “ occasionally flies over land and is usually seen
hovering over fern bushes ” (J. H. S.).
About a dozen petrels, almost certainly of this species, were
seen in Long Island Sound not far from the mouth of New Haven
Harbor, Aug. 5, 1911, by L. B. B.; and to this species should prob-
ably be referred three petrels seen by Mr. Edward Everit near
Branford Beacon, June 20, 1909.
Order STEGANOPODES. Totipalmate Swimmers.
Family SULIDA. Gannets.
Sula leucogastra (Boddaert). Booby.
The only record of this species in Connecticut is one taken at
Guilford by Linsley.* Merriam refers to it as “a rare and acci-
dental visitor from the South.”
Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 135-6.
2Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 290.
Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 136.
4Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 130.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 27
Sula bassana (Linneus). Gannet.
A very rare winter visitant. The following references are
found in Merriam:? Capt. Brooks of Faulkner’s Island has seen
two of this species, one of which “ was killed at Guilford in the
spring about ten years ago” (i. e., about 1866), and is now in his
collection. Linsley took it at Stratford (now in Peabody
Museum). Both these birds are in juvenile plumage. Mr.
Robert Morris saw an adult specimen shot off Branford late in
the fall of 1872 or 1873.
Family PHALACROCORACIDZ. Cormorants.
Phalacrocorax carbo (Linnzus). Cormorant.
A very rare fall migrant on the Sound. Formerly a “ tolerably
common winter visitant.” ?
Capt. Brooks wrote Merriam that they were plentiful in April
and May, and were sometimes seen in the fall. Linsley took this
species at Stonington.
The only recent record is that of a young bird shot at Branford,
Nov. 22, 1904. It is now in the collection of L. C. S.
Phalacrocorax auritus auritus (Lesson). Double-crested
Cormorant.
A rare spring and fall migrant on the Sound, though appar-
ently more common than P. carbo; very rare inland.
Spring records. Linsley records a specimen from Stratford
which is in nuptial plumage (in coll. of Bridgeport Hist. Soc.) ;
May, 1876, Capt. Brooks saw “ large flocks of them feeding about
Faulkner’s Island” ;? April 30, 1888, one taken at Branford by
W. H. Gardner (now in Peabody Museum) ; June 8, 1892, three
seen at the mouth of Connecticut River by J. H. S.; April 209,
1896, one from a flock of six taken at New Haven (seen in the
flesh by L. B. B.) ; May 7, 1891, Guilford (H. W. F., now in coll.
of Wm. Brewster).
Fall records. Oct. 29, 1875, one killed in Connecticut River
at Portland (in coll. of W. W. C.) ; Oct., 1879, one shot at Bolton
(in coll. of W. W.) ; Nov. 10, 1883, a small flock seen off Guilford
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 129.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 130.
28 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. {Bull.
by L. B. B.; Oct. 23, 1890, one adult seen at Little River Marshes,
Middletown, by W. E. T. and S. R.; Nov. 2, 1890, one seen at
Hartford by W. E. T.; Sept. 25, 1904, a flock seen on the beacon
in Branford Harbor by G. E. V.; Oct. 17, 1908, a young male shot
at Double Beach, Branford, by C. R. Hooker (in coll. of L. B. B.).
Summer record. July 18, 1906, Madison, two seen (A. A. S.).
Inland records. Portland, Oct. 29, 1875 (see above) ; Bolton,
Oct., 1879 (see above) ; Middletown, Oct. 23, 1890 (see above) ;
Hartford, Nov. 2, 1890 (see above).
Family PELECANID/@. Pelicans.
Pelecanus occidentalis Linneus. Brown Pelican.
The only record of the Brown Pelican in Connecticut is that of
an apparently uninjured specimen caught alive off Guilford Har-
bor, June 6, 1902, by Mr. Levi Thrall, who reported that it seemed
unable to fly far, so that he easily caught it by chasing it in a row-
boat. L. B. B. saw it in the flesh. It is at present in the collection
of L.C.S.
Family FREGATID. Man-o’-war-birds,
Fregata aquila (Linneus). Man-o’-war-bird.
The only record of this species in Connecticut (noted both in
the American Naturalist and in Merriam’s Birds of Connecticut) ,!
is that of Capt. Brooks, who killed a female on Faulkner’s Island
in the autumn of 1859, while it was hovering over the island. It
is still in the collection of Capt. Brooks (L. B. B.).
Order ANSERES. Lamellirostral Swimmers.
Family ANATIDZ. Ducks, Geese, and Swans.
Subfamily Mercinz. Mergansers.
Mergus americanus Cassin. Merganser.
A tolerably common winter resident from December to Feb-
ruary, frequenting fresh-water lakes and inland waterways.
Earliest record. (Coast) Clinton, Dec. 2, 1898; (Inland)
Portland, Dec. 3, 1888.
Latest record. (Coast) Stamford, Feb. 25, 1898; (Inland)
Portland, April 23, 1904. (J. H. S.-records this species at Port-
land as late as April, in 1875, 1887, 1899, 1904, and 1909.)
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 131. .
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 29
Unusual records. June 26, 1888, Portland .(J. L. Goff) ; July
31, 1879, Portland (J. H. S.).
H. K. J. reports the Merganser as a fairly common migrant
and winter resident in Litchfield County between November and
April.
Mergus serrator Linnzus. Red-breasted Merganser.
A rather common winter resident on the Sound from Novem-
ber to March; occasional inland.
Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 21, 1882.
Latest record. New Haven, April 4, 1895.
Inland record. Portland, Nov. 9, 1884 (in coll. of W. W. C.).
Lophodytes cucullatus (Linneus). Hooded Merganser.
A rare and irregular spring and fall migrant.
Spring migration. Earliest record. Portland, March 6, 1876.
Latest record. Portland, April 1, 1899.
Fall migration. Earliest record. Litchfield, Sept. 15, 1905
(L. S. W.). Latest record. Portland, Dec. 5, 1887.
Several specimens of the Hooded Merganser have been shot
in the Quinnipiac Marshes (North Haven) and in Lake Saltonstall
(East Haven) ; viz., Jan. 9, 1883, one (L. C. S.) ; Oct., 1885, three
young (L. C. S.); Nov. 14, 1904, two young (A. J. G.); March,
1904, one (A. J. G.); March, 1904, several (Devine) ; March 20,
1907, two (Uhl); Nov. 11-13, 1908, seven (Haines, in coll. of
L. B. B.).
H. K. J. reports that Mr. C. H. Williams “saw a female with
young in Winchester about fifteen years ago” (c. 1893).
Dr. William Wood of East Windsor Hill wrote in 1880: “It
is not common here, yet some seasons I get half a dozen or more,
and then several seasons may intervene before another is
captured.”?
There is a male of this species in the collection of J. M. W.
shot on a pond in Canterbury late in October, 1880.3 Mr. J. Y.
Stetson of New Haven has an adult male which he shot from a
pair at Neversink Lake, Danbury, late in March, about 1885.
1Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 290.
20. and O., v, 12, p. 93-
80. and O., v, 10, p. 78.
30 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Subfamily AnaTinz. River Ducks.
Anas platyrhynchos Linneus. Mallard.
Formerly a rare fall migrant on the coast, but much more com-
mon in recent years; occasionally a winter resident.
Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 25, 1904.
Latest record. New Haven, Jan., 1897, and 1899 (L. C. S.);
Clinton, March 27, 1889 (J. F. Parker).
This species probably occurs regularly on the Quinnipiac
Marshes and Lake Saltonstall (where L. B. B. and others have
obtained many records), as well as along the Connecticut River.
Merriam? characterizes the Mallard as a “rare migrant.” He
notes their occurrence Sept. 30, Oct., and Nov. 13, 1875, and the
observations of Grinnell in October and November, 1876. Mr.
Hoyt states one was taken in Stamford in the fall of 1879. C. M.
Jones of Eastford records? a pair shot in Eastford, Oct. 30, 1882,
adding that it “is the first time I have ever known of this species
occurring here.” The first records for New Haven were November
5, 1883, when L. B. B. reported three taken in the Quinnipiac
Marshes, and Aug. 4, 1886, when E. L. Munson® took an adult
male at the same locality. However, since that time the Mallards
have been increasing, so that recent records are quite numerous
for this species in Connecticut.
Judge Clark reported an unusual flight at Saybrook in the
winter of 1901-2, saying he had seen more that winter than in the
rest of his life.
Anas rubripes Brewster. Black Duck.
A common fall and tolerably common spring migrant and
winter resident ; rare summer resident.
Spring migration. Earliest record, Portland, March 1o,
1878. Latest record, New Haven, June 27, 1884; Portland, May
II, 1908.
Fall migration. Earliest record, New Haven, Sept. 16, 1904;
Portland, Sept. 14, 1877. Latest record, Portland, Nov. 8, 1892.
Winter records. Portland, Dec. 9, 1896, Jan. 2, 1906. Win-
ters at New Haven.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 123.
20. and O., viii, 4, p. 32.
80. and O., xii, 9, p. 156.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 31
Nest. Eggs laid on bank of a stream, in a meadow, or in a
thicket, some distance from the water.
Eggs. Usually 9 (11).
Breeding records. May 12, 1808, nine eggs, and June 8, 1899,
nine eggs, New London (Hill) ; May 20, 1got, eleven eggs, Kent
(H. K. J.) ; April 22, 1904, five eggs, incomplete, Kent (Austin).
At Saybrook Judge Clark found two nests of this duck.
Fall migrants reached Litchfield on Sept. 7, 1905 (E. S. W.).
Chaulelasmus streperus (Linneus). Gadwall.
Very rare.
Merriam! states that it occurs during migrations, though not
common (1876). At that time Capt. Brooks wrote Merriam that
these birds were “occasionally seen” about Faulkner’s Island.
Linsley wrote that “ flocks of the Gray Duck were here as early as
August last season” (1842). One was shot at East Hartford,
Nov. 5, 1883 (W. E. T.).
The only recent records are those of H. K. J., who heard of
two being shot at Twin Lakes about the middle of November,
1907,” and states that Mr. W. A. Miles has killed others there;
and the two young males taken on the Quinnipiac Marshes
(North Haven), Oct. 12, 1912, by A. and W. Ganung (in coll.
of L. B. B.).
Mareca americana (Gmelin). Baldpate.
A rare winter resident on the Sound from October to March.
Earliest record. Quinnipiac Marshes, New Haven, Oct. 11,
1g09 (A. Ganung).
Latest record. Clinton, March 27, 1899.(J. F. Parker).
Inland records. Hamden, Oct. 16, 1880 (Woolsey, in coll. of
Peabody Museum) ; Middletown, fall, 1882, five out of a flock
of seven killed by J. Taylor (J. H. S.); Portland, April, 1883, a
male shot (J. H. S.); Portland, Oct. 23, 1888, a female shot by
J. L. Goff (in coll. of J. H. S.); Bantam Lake, Litchfield, one
shot Oct. 20, 1904, and another, Oct. 20, 1905, by H. Sanford
(E. S. W.).
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 124.
2Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 291.
32 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [ Bull.
Besides these records a number of birds have been taken at
Lake Saltonstall and in the Quinnipiac Marshes, the majority of
which are in the collections of L. C. S. and L. B. B., in addition
to a few birds taken at Branford, Clinton, and Stony Creek.
Merriam! mentions this species as “ not particularly rare dur-
ing the migrations.” It was taken by Linsley at Stratford, and
one by Dr. Wood at East Windsor Hill.
Nettion crecca (Linneus). European Teal.
Very rare in North America. The only Connecticut reference
is furnished by W. E. T. of East Hartford, who received from a
resident gunner a fine adult male, shot Nov. 14, 1889, while flying
with another, apparently of the same species, over an open field.
It is now in the collection of J. H. S?
Nettion carolinense (Gmelin). Green-winged Teal.
A tolerably common fall and rare spring migrant, and a rare
winter resident.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 3, 1886;
Portland, Sept. 27, 1903; Litchfield, Sept. 8, 1906 (E. S. W.).
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 16, 1883; Portland, Nov. 27,
1896.
Spring records. April 8, 1874, and April 6, 1887, Portland
(J. H. S.) ; March 21, 1896, Stony Creek (E. M. Cooper, in coll.
of L. B. B.); March 8, 1899, Clinton (J. F. Parker, in coll. of
L. B. B.) ; “ Have seen it in March” (Merriam).*
Winter record. Jan. 14, 1902, one taken in Branford Harbor
by Mr. J. Lanfear (in coll. of L. C.S.).
Querquedula discors (Linnzus). Blue-winged Teal.
A tolerably common fall and rare spring migrant.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 1, 1886;
Portland, Sept. 8, 1897. Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 20,
1896; Portland, Oct. 17, 1874.
Spring records. April 14, 1896, Quinnipiac Marshes (A. R.
Andrews, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; April 9, 1902, Portland; April 27,
1905, West Haven (W. L. Ganufg, in coll. of L. B. B.).
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 124.
3Ww. E. Treat, Auk, viii, 1, p. 112.
No. 20.] _ THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 33
Unusual record. July 26, 1890, Quinnipiac Marshes, seen by
Prof. C. C. Trowbridge and L. C. S.
Spatula clypeata (Linnzus). Shoveller.
A very rare migrant along the coast.
Connecticut records. March 20, 1854, two full-plumaged males
taken at Lyme by Horace Champion (formerly in coll. of J. C.
Comstock) (J. H. S.) ; Dec. 8, 1874, specimen shot by Mr. Pease
at Saybrook (in coll. of W. W. C.); Oct. 8, 1875, two or three,
near Milford (Grinnell) ;1 Oct. 29, 1886, four taken in West
Haven (formerly in coll. of L. C. S.) ; Nov. 27-30, 1893, a flock
frequented the Quinnipiac Marshes (A. R. Andrews and E.
Mitchell) ; Oct., 1894, one taken in Stamford (in coll. of Hoyt).
Linsley obtained two males at Stratford? (in Linsley Coll. of Bpt.
Sci. Soc.) ; has been taken at Twin Lakes (Miles) .?
Dafila acuta (Linneus). Pintail.
A rare straggler in the fall.
Coast records. Quinnipiac Marshes, one, Sept. 26, 1884 (in
coll. of L. B. B.) ; flock of seven, Sept. 28, 1907 (J. Y. Stetson) ;
two, Oct. 23, 1909 (A. Ganung, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; West Haven,
Oct. 13, 1906, seven seen (A. Ganung, one in coll. of L. B. B.) ;
one, Oct. 22, 1906 (E. S. W.) ; Stratford, Nov. 10, 1889 (in coll.
of Bpt. Sci. Soc.) ; Stamford, about 1890 (Schaler) ; Stratford,
(Linsley) ;? Saybrook (J. N. C.), not particularly rare (1876) 3
Inland records. East Windsor Hill, two (in coll. of Dr. Wood,
1876) ;3 Portland, Oct. 9, 1890, a young male killed (Parkinson,
in coll. of J. H. S.); Middletown, Oct. 12, 1891, four seen, one
shot (W. E. T. and S. R., in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Oct. 18, 1893, four
seen by same; Essex, Jan. 22, 1894, fifteen seen, two shot (in
coll. of J. H. S.) ; Torrington, Oct. 25, 1907, one shot (Hanson) ;?
Twin Lakes (Miles)?
Aix sponsa (Linnzus). Wood Duck.
A summer resident, breeding throughout the state but becom-
ing more rare each year.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 124-5.
2Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 291.
8 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 123.
3
34 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [ Bull.
Earliest record. New Haven, March 21, 1884; Portland,
March 20, 1879.
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 17, 1883; Portland, Dec. 3,
1888.
Nest. Usually located in a hollow tree at a height of from
eight to thirty feet from the ground.
Eggs. Nine or ten; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 14, 1900 (H. K. J.).
Latest record. July 2, 1904 (J. C. A. M.).
Breeding records. c. May 28, 1875, Portland, nest with 14
eggs (J. H. S.); May 24, 1885, Hamden, nest with 9 eggs (R.
Morley) ; June 18, 1891, Chester, a set of 10 eggs (Watrous, in
coll. of H. W. F.) ; May 44, 1900, Kent, to eggs in a hay-loft of
an old barn (H. K. J.) ; May, rgo1, East Lyme, nest with 9 eggs
(Way) ; July 2, 1904, Litchfield, nest with to eggs (J. C. A. M.).
Subfamily Furtcutinz. Sea Ducks.
Marila americana (Eyton). Redhead.
A very rare bird until recent years, when it seems to have
occurred quite regularly as a winter visitant.
Merriam! refers to this bird as “rare,” noting that it has been ,
taken at Westbrook (prior to 1876). Linsley took it at Stratford.
At Stamford it has been seen frequently in the Sound, and one
was taken in the winter of 1886 (W. H.H.). The next record is
that of Mr. Holt of Saybrook, who says he shot twenty-eight in
1889, while he later records two or three flocks there, Oct. 109,
1893. Four were taken at Lake Saltonstall, Dec. 20, 1897, by
A. J. G., and one at Stratford, Dec., 1897, by J. Locke.
However, since 1902, the species has become more common,
and we have records from Branford, Dec., 1901, Jan. 6, Nov. 15,
1902, March, 1904 (L. C. S.), and Jan. 1, 1901 (Locke) ; Lake
Saltonstall, East Haven, Oct. 25, 1902, Dec. 22, 1903 (A. J. G.),
April 3, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; West Haven, April 2, 1910 (H. K. J.);
Litchfield, Nov. 3, 6, 1905 (H. Sanford) ; Portland, Oct. 29, 1903,
Oct. 16, 1906, Nov. 26, 1907, Nov. 26, 1909 (J. H. S.).
Marila valisineria (Wilson). Canvas-back,.
A very rare accidental winter visitor.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 125.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 35
Connecticut records. 1876, Merriam! records this species as
“rare”; May 7, 1876, one seen by R. Morris in New
Haven (?);? J. H. Hand reports it “very rare” at Westbrook,
1876 ;1 Linsley took it at Stratford ;! March 20, 1887, a flock re-
ported seen at Lake Saltonstall by Mr. Folsom; 1889,
two reported killed at Saybrook by Mr. Jas. Holt; fall,
1894, one reported taken at Stony Creek by E. M. Cooper (?) ;
Nov., 1896, one shot from a flock at Twin Lakes by W. A.
Miles ;? Jan., 1902, two males taken at Lake Saltonstall by A.
J. G. (in coll. of L. C. S.); April 1, 1904, one male taken at
North Branford (in coll. of L. C. S.).
Marila marila (Linneus). Scaup Duck.
A common winter resident on the Sound, most abundant in
November and March. Rare inland.
Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 5, 1886.
Latest record. New Haven, May 23, 1902.
Inland records. Portland, Oct. 11, 1888, a young male shot
in Connecticut River by J. L. Goff (in coll. of J. H. S.); Port-
land, Dec. 14, 1888, a female shot by Goff; Litchfield, Nov. 3,
1905, one shot by H. Sanford (E. S. W.).
Unusual date. July 21, 1882, one “pensioner” taken at
Stony Creek by L. C. S.
Marila affinis (Eyton). Lesser Scaup Duck.
A tolerably common winter resident on the Sound, associat-
ing with M. marila, and most frequently taken in November and
March. Less common inland.
Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 20, 1902.
Latest record. Unusual date. July 14, 1904, Quinnipiac
Marshes, New Haven, a non-breeding adult male in worn
plumage taken by L. B. B. New Haven, March 26, 1895.
Inland records. East Hartford, April 26, 1889, Oct. 8, 1888
(W. E. T.); Middletown, Little River Marshes, one seen Oct.
23, 1890, by W. E. T. and S. R., a female seen there also by J.
H. S., June 10, 1905, and a male, June 17, 1905; Portland, Job’s
Pond, one shot July 9, 1895 (in coll. of J. H. S.); Litchfield, Oct.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 126.
2Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 292.
36 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
19, 1907, one shot (E. S. W.); one killed in the vicinity of East
Windsor Hill by Dr. Wm. Wood (no date given).?
Marila collaris (Donovan). Ring-necked Duck.
A rare accidental winter visitor.
Connecticut records. Merriam’ records that Linsley took it
at Stratford, and also that “G. B. Grinnell has secured several
specimens in the vicinity of Milford”; April 10, 1883, East Hart-
ford, adult male shot (W. E. T.); Dec. 19, 1885, New Haven,
adult male secured by C. R. Hooker (formerly in coll. of L. C.
S.) ; Oct. 26, 1887, Little River Marshes, Middletown, female shot
by Dr. A.-K. Fisher in company with J. H. S. (in coll. of J.H.S.) ;
Oct. 3, 1889, East Hartford, female shot (W. E. T.); April 9,
1895, Quinnipiac Marshes, New Haven, adult male taken by
R. G. Van Name (in coll. of H. W. F.); Jan. 7, 1898, Lake
Saltonstall, young male taken by A. J. G. (in coll. of L. B. B.).
Clangula clangula americana Bonaparte. Golden-eye.
A tolerably common winter resident, especially along the
coast, from December to March.
Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 19, 1904, Nov. 17, 1905
(E. S. W.); Portland, Oct. 29, 1898; Litchfield, Oct. 30, 1905
(E. 5. W.).
Latest record. New Haven, March 30, 1882, April 12, 1907
(A. A. S.); Portland, April 20, 1888.
Clangula islandica (Gmelin). Barrow’s Golden-eye.
The only records for this state are: (1) that of A. J. G,
who is well acquainted with the American Golden-eye, and who
is positive that he took two males of this species at Lake Salton-
stall, East Haven, Dec. 25, 1883 (unfortunately these birds were
not preserved) ; (2), a typical male adult specimen in the col-
lection of J. H. S., which was purchased by him in the flesh,
Nov. 14, 1867, from a man who said it was killed in the Sound,
and whose statement there seems to be no reason for doubting.’
Charitonetta albeola (Linneus). Buffle-head.
Formerly an abundant winter resident on the Sound and tidal
1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 125.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 126.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 37
creeks from December to February; also formerly common in-
land, especially during March. Now not more than tolerably
common.
Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 26, 1884, Nov. 2, 1888
(L. B. W.); Portland, Oct. 25, 1890; Bantam Lake, Litchfield,
Oct. 23, 1905 (E. S. W.); H. Sanford reports them on same date
from same locality.
Latest record. New Haven, Feb. 13, 1894, April 10, 1882
(A. H. Baldwin) ; Portland, April 26, 1887.
Unusual record. July 14, 1858, Lyme, female taken by R.
Champion reported in MS. Journal of Jno, C. Comstock
(J. H.S.).
Harelda hyemalis (Linneus). Old-squaw.
An abundant winter resident on the Sound from November
to April. Less common, if not rather rare, inland.
Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 24, 1895.
Latest record. New Haven, May 21, 1888.
Inland records. Portland, Nov. 6, 1888, Oct. 15, 1890, March
23, 1894, Oct. 18, 1897, Oct. 14, 1905; Litchfield, Oct. 19, 1907,
one taken (E. S. W.).
‘Summer records. June 17, 1896, an adult male in nuptial
dress, prevented from going north by an old fracture of the wing,
taken at New Haven by A. R. Andrews (in coll. of L. B. B.);
Woodmont, Aug. 2-4, 1906, three seen (A. A. S.).
Breeding record. A pair with young was seen near Little
Gull Island at the eastern end of the Sound in the summer of
1886 by L. C. S. Mr. Grinnell in Merriam’s Birds of Connecti-
cut? notes that they occasionally breed here, though probably
these are “ pensioners.”
Histrionicus histrionicus (Linnzus.) Harlequin Duck.
The only record for this state appears in Job, The Sport of
Bird Study: “Mr. Williams examined a male (Histrionicus
histrionicus) in full plumage shot by Matthew Parsons on Old
Park Lake, Winsted, in October, seven or eight years ago”?
(1900 or Igor).
Camptorhynchus labradorius (Gmelin). Labrador Duck.
1Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 292.
3 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 127.
+38 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
The only references to this species appear in a paragraph in
Merriam: “A very rare winter visitor. Linsley took it at Strat-.
ford, Conn. Pennant, in his Arctic Zodlogy, says that this species
was ‘sent from Connecticut to Mrs. Blackburn in England.’
Arctic Zodlogy, vol. ii, p. 559, 1785.”
Somateria dresseri Sharpe. Eider.
Connecticut records. Linsley states that one or two Eider
Ducks were killed at Stratford by Mr. Lucius Curtis. Grinnell
informed Merriam that he had seen a specimen killed on the
Sound near Milford, May 29, 1877, and that two, probably of this
species, were shot there in the fall of 1874.1. Branford, Dec. 2,
1879, two shot, one in coll. of Dr. Fred. Sumner Smith of Ches-
ter (J. H. S.).
Mr. Alanson Ganung-shot a young male, Dec. 20, 1909, off
West Haven. It is now in the collection of L. B. B. This is the
only recent record for this state.
Somateria spectabilis (Linneus). King Eider.
A rare winter straggler in the Sound.
Connecticut records. Nov. 4, 1883, an adult female taken
near Milford by E. L. Munson? (now in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Nov.
17, 1886, one shot at Portland (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Oct. 22, 1890,
a female found in the bag of some sportsmen at Stony Creek by
A. E. V. (now in Peabody Museum) ; Nov. 11, 1893, one received
by J. H. S. from Mr. Henry Noyes of Lyme; Nov., Ig00, a
female. taken near New Haven (in coll. of L. C. S.); winter,
1902-3, a female taken in New Haven Harbor by A. Ganung;
Nov. 14, 1904, an adult male positively identified at Branford
by L. C. S.; Oct. 26, male, Nov. 14, 1907, female, taken at
Stratford (in coll. of L. B. B.); Nov. 2, 1908, two young shot
at Stratford; Nov. 4, 1908, a young male shot at New Haven by
W. Ganung (in coll. of L. B. B.). Linsley also records obtain-
ing two specimens at Stratford. C. L. Rawson states that a
stuffed specimen is in Noank, shot off Groton Long Point in the
winter of 1884.8
Oidemia americana Swainson. Scoter.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 127.
20, and O., xii, 9, p. 156.
80. and O., x, 5, PD. 74.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 39
A rare fall migrant on the Sound; very rare along the inland
waterways.
Coast records. Linsley records it from Stratford, and Mer-
riam’ calls it a “tolerably common winter resident,’ having
seen it as early as Oct. 4, 1876. Oct., 1879, New Haven Harbor,
one female collected by Dr. G. Woolsey (in Peabody Museum) ;
April 23, 1889, Stony Creek, one seen (J. H. S.); Oct., 1900,
Branford, male taken by L. C. S. (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Oct. 22,
1902, Branford, male taken by L. C. S.; Oct. 24, 1906, Stony
Creek, young bird shot by A. H. V. (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Oct.
4, 1909, West Haven, two males taken by A. Ganung (in coll.
of L. B. B.).
Inland records. Oct. 9, 1888, Portland, seventeen of a flock
of thirty shot by J. L. Goff (seven in coll. of J. H. S.); Oct. 21,
1890, Portland, flock of twenty-five seen (five in coll. of J. H.
S.) ; Oct. 2, 1893, Portland, one seen by W. E. T.; Oct. 16, 1899,
Middletown, two shot (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; Oct. 19, 1900, Port-
land, two shot.
Spring record. April 23, 1889, Stony Creek, one seen by
J; BS:
Oidemia deglandi Bonaparte. White-winged Scoter.
A common winter resident on the Sound, especially abundant
in October and November, March and April. Not usually com-
mon inland,
Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 13, 1883; Portland, Oct.
4, 1895.
Latest record. New Haven, May 21, 1888; Sachem’s Head,
June 8, 1892 (J..H. S.).
Inland records. Oct. 19, 1881, Eastford, female shot (in
coll. of C. M. Jones) ;? Oct. 4, 1895, Portland, about seventy-five
seen in Connecticut River by S. R.; Oct. 12, 1895, Portland,
adult male shot in Connecticut River (in coll. of J. H. S.); Oct.
16, 1900, Portland, one killed by C. E. Lincoln; Oct. 20, 30, Nov.
3, 6, 1905, Oct. 11, 28, 1907, common at Bantam Lake, Litchfield
(E. S. W.).
Unusual record. Aug. 30, 1906, Pine Orchard (A. A. S.).
1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 127.
20. and O., viii, 4, p. 32.
40 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT? HIST. SURVEY. { Bull.
Oidemia perspicillata (Linnzus). Surf Scoter.
A common winter resident on the Sound, though not as com- |
mon as O, deglandi, except in November. Rare inland.
Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 13, 1893.
Latest record. New Haven, April 19, 1904; Stony Creek,
April 23, 1889 (J. H. S.).
Inland record. Oct. 15, 1890, female shot at ‘Portland by
J. L. Goff, (in coll. of J. H. S.).
Merriam! records one on the Sound as late as June 29, 1877.
Erismatura jamaicensis (Gmelin). Ruddy Duck.
Formerly a fairly common fall migrant on the Sound and
larger lakes; now rare. Very rare in the spring.
Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 24, 1885; Oct. 14, 1908
(P. B. Haines). :
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 1, 1882; Portland, Nov. 12,
1889; Litchfield, Dec. 1, 1906 (E. S. W.).
Spring records. March 19, 1889, East Hartford, five seen
(W. E. T.) ; June 5, 1893, Portland, three of a flock of five killed
in Connecticut River (in coll. of J. H. S.).
Recent records. Since 1896 we have the following records
only: Oct. 25, 1904, North Haven, a young female taken by
Mrs. L. A. Farnham (in coll. of L. B. B.) ; E. S. W. reported them
common on Bantam Lake, Litchfield, from Oct. 9 to Nov. 11,
1905, also Nov. 24, 1906, and Oct. 11-28, 1907; E. S. W. shot
one, Dec. 1, 1906; Oct. 14, 1908, a young male shot at North
Haven by P. B. Haines (in coll. of L. B. B.); April 13, 1906,
Lake Saltonstall (A. A. S.); Oct. 5, 1907, Lake Burton (A.
A. S.).
Subfamily ANSERINz. Geese.
Chen hyperboreus nivalis (J. R. Forster). Greater Snow
Goose.
An extremely rare winter visitor.
Connecticut records. Linsley records seven specimens of
Snow Geese from Stratford; Merriam? reports a specimen in the
possession of W. W. C., which had been killed near Saybrook in
Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 128.
3Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. r2r.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 4l
the fall of 1875; E. H. Austin informs us that three Snow Geese,
undoubtedly of this species, spent the winter of 1868-9 at Strat-
ford; Nov. 20, 1884, Portland, one adult male taken (in coll. of
J. H. S.); Feb. 3, 1893, L. H. Porter purchased two adults and
two young in Fulton Market, New York City, where they had
been sent a few days before from Stratford.
On the death of Dr. W. H. Hotchkiss of New Haven in 1907,
there was found among his effects the head of an adult male of
this species, mounted. Dr. H. had previously informed L. B. B.
that all of his collection had been taken in Connecticut about
1878, so that this Snow Goose was in all probability killed in this
state.
Branta canadensis canadensis (Linnzus). Canada Goose.
A common late fall and early spring migrant. Winters rarely.
Fall migration. Average, Oct. 15 — Dec. 15. Earliest rec-
ord. New Haven, Sept. 11, 1883; Portland, Oct. 13, 1886.
Latest record. New Haven, Dec. 28, 1909 (Merrill) ; Port-
land, Dec. 15, 1891.
Spring migration. Average, March 15 — April 25. Earliest
record. New Haven, March 20, 1888; Portland, Feb. 17, 1891.
Latest record. New Haven, April 25, 1889 (L. B. W.), April
25, 1909 (J. Lamb); Portland, May 30, 1885.
Winter records. Merriam records* that Grinnell told him that
over two hundred remained about the mouth of the Housatonic
River during the winter of 1876-7. In January, 1904, a New
Haven daily paper reported that a flock was wintering along the
shore of the Sound east of Stonington. W. W. Coe? saw one
shot in the Middlefield reservoir, Jan. 4, 1883. Three were shot
from a flock of six at Clinton, Dec. 28, 1909, by C. A. Merrell
(one in coll. of L. B. B.).
Branta canadensis hutchinsi (Richardson). Hutchins’ Goose.
Very rare.
Linsley records it from Stratford. G. B. Grinnell! says it is
recognized by the gunners about Milford (1877). E. H. Austin
informs us that this species used to occur in small numbers at
Stratford, and that he remembers seeing three, May 23, in the
1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p, 122.
20. and O., viii, 3, p. 24.
42 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [ Bull.
sixties, in the possession of a gunner at Milford Point. He also
reports one shot in South Kent a few years ago (about 1900).
Branta bernicla glaucogastra (Brehm). Brant.
A rare straggler on the Sound in the fall and winter.
Linsley recorded the Brant as “ common” in Stratford in the
winter. Merriam’ gives the following records: spring, 1877,
Stratford Light, two killed (Grinnell) ; April 14, 1876, mouth of
East Haven River, three seen (Osborne); spring, 1876, Con-
necticut River above Hartford, one shot (Dr. Wood).
The following recent records appear: 1893-4-5, a large num-
ber wintered off Stamford (Porter) ; Dec. 21, 1895, Stony Creek,
a male taken by E. M. Cooper (in coll. of L. B. B.); Feb. 21,
1903, Stratford, two males and one female shot by G. Greenway
(in coll. of L. C. S. and L. B. B.).
Subfamily Cycninaz. Swans.
Olor columbianus (Ord). Whistling Swan.
The only records for Connecticut are as follows: Linsley
mentions four specimens, two of which were killed, at Stratford ;
Merriam? records that two Swans were seen in Branford Harbor
during a severe gale about the middle of March, 1876 (Beers),
and several were seen at the same time near Milford (Grinnell) ;
a young bird was shot off Grass Island, Guilford Harbor, by Mr.
Reuben Hill, Nov. 2 or 3, 1893, and mounted by Capt. Brooks?
(now in the possession of Mr. Norton of Guilford); an adult
taken in Fairfield is in the Linsley collection of the Bpt. Sci. Soc.
Order HERODIONES. Herons, Storks, Ibises, etc.
Suborder IBIDES. Spoonbills and Ibises.
Family IBIDIDZ. _Ibises.
Guara alba (Linneus). White Ibis.
The only record for New England is one reported by Merriam
as seen by G. B. Grinnell, who wrote: “Late in the afternoon of
May 23 (1875), I observed near Milford, Conn., a specimen of
Ibis alba. I recognized the bird as it flew over me, and following
it to a small pond, where it went down, discovered it perched upon
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 121.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 120.
8 Reported by L. B. B., Auk, xi, 1, p. 74.
4 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 110.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 43
a tree over the water. I carefully examined it with a good glass,
at a distance of about one hundred and fifty yards, and by this
means was enabled to note every detail of form and color. It was
in full plumage, the white being pure, and the naked skin about
the head bright red. After watching it for a few moments I tried
to approach it, but before I came within gunshot it flew, uttering
a hoarse cackle as it went off.”
Plegadis autumnalis (Linneus). Glossy Ibis.
Linsley obtained five specimens at Stratford.t
The only other record is that of Dr. J. Barratt? of Middletown,
who wrote in the Middletown Sentinel and Witness for May 21,
1850, that “ One of these rare birds (Ibis falcinella) was shot in
Middletown on the banks of the Connecticut, May oth, time of
high flood. It has been carefully preserved and is now in the
cabinet of Dr. J. Barratt.” He adds, “ The [bis falcinella is very
rarely seen in the United States. This is the first that has come
to our notice on the Connecticut, and has not been known in this
country many years.” Since this article appeared, the specimen
has been presented to the Wesleyan University Museum, Middle-
town, and is in good condition.
On page 92 in the copy of Nuttall’s Manual (Water Birds)
owned by Dr. Barratt, is the following marginal note in his hand-
writing: “My specimen, 28 inches, May, 1850. J. Barratt.”
(J. H. S.).
Suborder HERODII. Herons, Egrets, Bitterns, etc.
Family ARDEID/®. Herons, Bitterns, etc.
Subfamily Botaurinz. Bitterns.
Botaurus lentiginosus (Montagu). Bittern.
A common fall and less common spring migrant; rare sum-
mer resident. Most common during September and October, and
April.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 27, 1895;
Portland, Sept. 14, 1892. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 2,
1903; Portland, Oct. 24, 1890.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 110.
2 This specimen is also recorded in Merriam, p. 110, and by J. H. S. in the Axk,
iv, 3, PP. 253-4.
44 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 20,
1887; Portland, April 8, 1887; Columbia, March 26, 1894 (W.
E. T.). Latest record. New Haven, May 4, 1898; Portland, May
21, 1907.
Summer records. June 9, 1892, Portland (J. H. S.) ; June 24,
1893, June 21, 1894, Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven (A. H.
V. and L. B. B.); June 20, 1904, Salisbury (J. H. S. and L. B.
B.) ; May 30, June 11, 15, 1891, June 30, 1905 (E. S. W.), July
3, 1895, Litchfield (L. B. W.) ; July 23, 1910, Portland (J. H. S.).
Winter record. Dec. 29, 1904, Stamford, a male in perfect
condition taken (in coll. of Hoyt).
Nesting records. June, Portland, eggs taken (J. H. S.); June
27, 1907, Litchfield, four young in nest (E. S. W.).
Ixobrychus exilis (Gmelin). Least Bittern.
A rather rare summer resident of.the marshes along the coast,
occasional inland. Formerly common.
Earliest record. May 29, 1875, Portland.
Latest record. Sept. 22, 1902, New Haven.
Nest. Usually a mere hollow of rushes fastened to the flags
of a grass-grown marsh.
Eggs. 4-5; middle of June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. June 8, 1808, five eggs
(Hill). Latest record. June 27, 1876, one egg (Nichols).
Merriam! notes this species as a pretty regular summer resi-
dent, having been particularly abundant throughout the state dur-
ing the season of 1875. At that same time W. W. C. informed
Merriam that they bred regularly in the vicinity of Portland. Of
recent years the Least Bittern has become relatively scarce.
Recent records: May, about 1896, Winchester, pair seen
(Williams) ;? May, 1904, New Haven (A. A. S.) ; June 23, 1904,
Stratford, a breeding pair taken by E. Perry, Jr.; June 18, 1907,
Portland (J. H. S.); June 19, 1909, Morris Cove, New Haven,
nest with four eggs (A. A.S.) ; Sept. 13, 1909, Goodspeed’s Land-
ing, bird taken (C. R. H.); June 15, 1910, New Haven, deserted
nest with one egg (H. K. J.) ; July 23, 1910, Portland (J. H. S.).
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 113.
Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 293.
°
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 45
Subfamily Arpernz. Herons and Egrets.
Ardea herodias herodias Linneus. Great Blue Heron.
A tolerably common spring and fall migrant. Very rare sum-
mer resident.
Spring migration. Average, April 1-20. Earliest record. New
Haven, March 22, 1902; Portland, April 3, 1896. Latest record.
New Haven, April 29, 1884, and 1890, May 16, 1907 (A. A. S.);
Portland, May 11, 1875.
Fall migation. Average, Aug. 20— Oct. 20, Earliest record.
New Haven, July 14, 1893; Portland, Aug. 2, 1880. Latest record.
New Haven, Nov. 16, 1904; Portland, Nov. 25, 1892; coast, Nov.
26, 1875 (Merriam) .1
Summer records. June 2, 1877, New Haven (W. P.
Nichols) ;t May 15, 1897, May 21, 1898, New Haven (L. B. B.);
June 7, 1897, May 13, 18, June 3, 1905, Litchfield (E. S. W.).
E. S. W. says this species is often seen in the summer at Bantam
Lake, Litchfield. Nest found in Winchester about 1900 by Wil-
liams (Job)?
Herodias egretta (Gmelin). Egret.
An irregular transient visitor in late summer.
Connecticut records. Prior to 1877, a specimen was shot near
Middletown (in Museum of Wesleyan University) ;* Grinnell
reported seeing it on the marshes near Milford in September ;3
Dr. Wood reported one near East Windsor Hill “ several years
ago” (i. e., before 1877) ;° a pair, seen at Lake Saltonstall, July,
1876, and later not less than seven (F. S. Smith) ;? Aug. 2, 1878,
and Aug. 11, 1882, specimens shot by J. R. Chalker near Say-
brook (latter in coll. of J. H. S.) ;* April 1, 1883, Stamford, adult
in full nuptial plumage taken (Schaler); Aug. 14, 1883, Hart-
ford (W. E. T.) ;> 1883, East Haven (L. T. Hotchkiss, in Pea-
body Museum) ; July 29, 1897, July 30, 1898, Aug. 8, 1898, Stam-
ford, young taken (Schaler) ; Aug. 19, 1897, Clinton, one shot;
Aug., 1897, Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven, one seen (Robert-
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 110.
2Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 293.
3 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 111.
40. and O., vii, 24, p. 189; viii, 1, p. 4.
* Auk, iv, 1, p. 78.
46 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
son); Aug., 1899, flock of a hundred seen near East Haven
marshes, a number roosting nightly at Branford (Nichols) ; July
28, 1899, Kent, one taken by Hall (in coll. of H. K. J.) ;t July 25,
1906, Canaan, one shot (in coll. of Pease) ;1 Aug., I91I, near
Greenwich, one seen (P. G. Howes) ;? Aug. 15-30, 1911, West
Haven, two seen (J. Hitchcock).
Egretta candidissima candidissima (Gmelin). Snowy Egret.
Merriam’ characterizes this species as “a rare accidental visi-
tor from the South.” He further states that Linsley saw it at
Stratford and that Dr. Crary has taken it at Hartford (prior to
1877). C. L. R. of Norwich writes in O. and O.:4 “In early Octo-
ber I have seen eleven Snowy Herons at the point (Groton Long
Point) at once, at another time nine, and smaller groups in other
seasons.” Mr. Jno. C. Comstock, in his journal kept at Lyme,
records five specimens seen July 28, 1853, and thirteen Aug. 16,
1853 (J. H. S.).
Florida czrulea (Linnzus). Little Blue Heron.
A rare straggler from the South.
Merriam? gives the following records: Linsley took it at
Stratford; April, 1877, one seen in Lake Whitney (doubtful
record); May (1876?), Suffield, one shot (doubtful record).
Other records: July 28, 1875, Wethersfield, two seen, a
young male killed by Mr. Ransom T. Hewitt (in coll. of W. W.
C., and recorded in part by Merriam) ; Aug. 12, 1881, Saybrook,
a specimen in immature plumage obtained from a flock of about
six (J. N. C.) ;} summer, 1895, one taken near New Haven and
mounted by a local taxidermist; Aug. 4, 1897, Niantic, one taken
(P. J. McCook) ; July 21 — Aug. 5, 1899, Lyme, seven seen, two
taken (A. W. Brockway) ;* Sept. 15, 1899, Stratford, one young
in a flock of three taken (in coll. of L. C. S.); April 27, 1900,
Portland, female in adult plumage shot by Hurlburt ( in coll. of
J. H. S.); Aug. 2, 1901, Guilford, young shot (in coll. of L. B.
1H. K. Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 294.
2 Odlogist, xxviii, 9, p. 152.
3 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 111.
40. and O., xvi, 4, p. 59.
50. and O., vi, 7, p. 51.
Auk, xvi, 4, p. 152.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 47
B.) ; July 22— Aug. 18, and Sept. 7, 1904, Niantic, one to ten
seen (McCook).1
Butorides virescens virescens (Linnzus). Green Heron.
A common summer resident throughout the state, arriving
early in May, and the majority leaving early in September.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 27, 1886; Portland, April
24, 1902.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 2, 1902, Oct. 15, 1898 (E.
S. W.); Portland, Oct. 1, 1894; Guilford, Oct. 22, 1909 (H. E.
Watrous).
Nest. In a cedar, hemlock, or white birch, as a rule, and at
a height of from 8 to 30 feet from the ground. Frequently in a
small colony, but often alone.
Eggs. 4 or 5, usually 5; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 11, 1906, five eggs
(E. S. W.). Latest record. July 8, 1882, five young (L. B. B.).
Nycticorax nycticorax nzvius (Boddaert). Black-crowned
Night Heron.
A summer resident from May to October.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 3, 1888; Portland, April
28, 1905.
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 17, 1900; Portland, Nov.
12, 1902. :
Nest. Usually high in the top of a pine or hemlock and. in
colonies.
Eggs. 3-5; the latter part of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 4, I902, five eggs
(Beers). Latest record. June 20, 1886, two eggs (Eames).
Colonies. Rocky Hill, 1872, hundreds reported breeding in
a heronry;? Lake Whitney, prior to 1881, a colony in Heron
Swamp — again occupied by many pairs in 1904 and later
(Bennett); near Norwalk, 1903, twenty to twenty-five pairs
breeding in a heronry (Canfield and Watrous), numbers greatly
increased in 1904 (Perry); Wood*® reported a rookery where
1Auk, xxii, 1, p. 77.
3Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 112.
2 Samuels, Birds of New England, p. qro.
48 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [ Bull.
“thousands ” bred, fourteen miles from East Windsor, now prac-
tically abandoned (J. H. S.).
Unusual record. Feb. 9, 10, and 11, 1880, a specimen flushed
in the open spaces of water on the Thames River, Norwich, by
CL, Rt
Albino. Summer of 1894, Stamford, young bird, creamy
white with markings of pale russet and écru-drab (W. H. Hoyt,
in coll. of L. B. B.).
Order PALUDICOLZ. Cranes, Rails, etc.
Suborder RALLI. Rails, Gallinules, Coots, etc.
Family RALLIDA Rails, Gallinules, and Coots.
Subfamily RaLtinz. Rails.
Ralius elegans Audubon. King Rail.
Rare.
Linsley found it breeding at Stratford; Merriam? reports a
specimen in the possession of J. N. C., taken at Saybrook, Jan.
14, 1876; Sept. 17, 1879, Portland, female killed (in coll. of J.
H. S.); ¢. 1882-5, specimens shot at Glastonbury, Wethersfield,
and East Haddam (reported by Sperry to L. B. B.); Sept. 23,
1892, Middletown (W.E.T.) ; Sept. 1,1895, Little River Marshes,
Middletown, male taken (in coll. of.C. H. N.); Sept. 5, rgor,
Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven, young male taken (G. V.
Smith, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Sept. 26, 1905, same location, young
female (Sperry, in coll. of L. B. B.); April 22, 24, 1910, Leete’s
Island, two females trapped (in coll. of L. C. S.); J. N. C. in-
formed L. B. B. that he had taken one set of eggs many years
ago.
Rallus crepitans crepitans Gmelin. Clapper Rail.
A rather rare summer resident of the salt-water marshes of
the western part of the state; occasionally wintering.
Earliest record. East Haven, May 24, 1879 (Woolsey).
Latest record. Fairfield, Nov. 13, 1891 (Eames).
Winter record. Feb. 9, 1900, Stamford (Hoyt).
Nest. A nest of rushes in the marshes.
10. and O., v, 10, p. 78.
3Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. rz3.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 49
Eggs. 8-14; in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. June 17, 1893, eight eggs
(Schaler). Latest record. June 25, 1891, twelve eggs (Lucas).
Recent records. Stamford, 1874, fourteen eggs, Sept., 1893,
four taken, Feb. 9, 1900, male taken (Hoyt), June 17, 1893,
female and eight eggs (Schaler), Sept. 27, 1893, female taken
(Porter) ; Fairfield, Nov. 13, 1891, female taken (Eames) ; Strat-
ford, June 25, 1891, twelve eggs taken (W. H. Lucas), Sept.,
1893, one taken (in coll. of L. C. S.) ; Milford, Dec. 20, 1892 [?]
(A. H. V.), May 26, 1900, male taken (Beers); West Haven,
May 30, 1904, female taken (L. B. B.) ; New Haven, 1882, twelve
eggs (E. H. Barbour), Sept. 11, 1886, female taken (C. H.
Webb); East Haven, May 24, 1879, male taken (Woolsey) ;
Guilford, Sept. 10, 1884, female taken (L. B. B.); Saybrook,
one record (J. N. C.).
Rallus virginianus Linneus. Virginia Rail.
A rather rare summer resident from May to October, and a
tolerably common fall migrant.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 19, 1904, April 20, 1906
(E. S. W.); Portland, April 22, 1910.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 29, 1904; Portland, Oct. 20,
1890.
Nest. In rushes in fresh-water marsh.
Eggs. 7-10; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 18, 1910, eleven eggs
(C. G. H.). Latest record. July 3, 1892, ten eggs (J. H. S.).
Porzana carolina (Linneus). Sora.
An abundant fall migrant in September and October, fre-
quenting the wild rice and cat-tail rushes in the tidal marshes, as
well as the marshes along the inland waterways., Rare in the
spring.
Fall migration. Average, Sept. 1— Oct. 25. Earliest record.
New Haven, Aug. 23, 1902; Portland, Aug. 17, 1897. Latest
record. New Haven, Nov. 1, 1895; Portland, Nov. 5, 1894.
Spring records. May 28, 1898, New Haven, a female taken
(Andrews, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; June 3, 1905, Litchfield (E. S.
1Recorded in Averill’s Birds of Bridgeport as Gallinula galeata.
4
50 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
W.); May 1-5, 1908, May 17, 1909, May 16, 1910, Portland
(J. H. S.).
Summer record. Aug. 12, 1900, Westville (G. V. Smith).
Winter record. Dec. 29, 1881, Hartford, a male shot
(H. T. G.)#
Breeding records. 1882, Norwich, three sets of nine eggs
each (C. L. R.) ;? May 30, 1909, Talmage Hill (New Canaan),
eleven eggs (P. G. Howes).? Nested at Portland in the early
sixties, and eggs taken at that time have ever since been in the
coll. of J. H. S. No recent record.
Albino. Quinnipiac Marshes, Sept. 30, 1901, young female
taken, colored yellowish tawny olive with markings of broccoli-
brown (C. R. Hooker, in coll. of L. B. B.).
Coturnicops noveboracensis (Gmelin). Yellow Rail.
A fall migrant in October to our marshes; probably not un-
common, but seldom taken owing to its secretive habits.
Merriam‘ records that they breed about Middletown (W. W.
C.), and that several have been taken near Milford (Grinnell)
and Stratford (Linsley).
Earliest record. Little River Marshes, Middletown, Sept. 8,
1894 (in coll. of J. H.S.).
Latest record. Milford, Nov. 10, 1876 (Grinnell).*
Spring record. March 24, 1888, Gaylordsville, a male taken
by E. H. Austin (in coll. of Bpt. Sci. Soc.). ,
Fall records since 1894. Middletown, Sept. 8 (1894)— Oct.
25 (1894), five taken (Gould, Strong, Tryon, in coll. of J. H. S.);
Quinnipiac Marshes, Sept. 15 (1908)— Oct. 15 (1894), twelve
taken (Andrews, A. Ganung, P. Stetson, Whitney, H. W. F., L.
C.S.,L. B. B., in coll. of H. W. F., L. C.S., and L. B. B.).
Breeding record. The only breeding record is that of W. W.
C.,* who informed Merriam that they bred about Middletown in
1874 and 1875. Feb. 16, 1911, Portland (J. H. S.).
Nest. Most frequently in an evergreen, but occasionally in
a deciduous tree or in the fork of a kalmia, at the height of from
three to fifteen feet from the ground.
Eggs. 2; in May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 29, 1894, two eggs
(L. B. B.). Latest record. July 27, 1889, Norwalk, two fresh
eggs (W. I. C.)3
Order RAPTORES. Birds of Prey.
Suborder SARCORHAMPHI. American Vultures.
Family CATHARTID/A. American Vultures.
Cathartes aura septentrionalis Wied. Turkey Vulture;
Turkey Buzzard.
A rare visitor from the south.
Connecticut records. Linsley recorded it as “not uncom-
mon” when he was a child, “having at that period counted
twenty in a flock in Northford in the month of August ;” while
an old hunter told J. N. C. that they used to be very common
about the mouth of the Connecticut; Merriam further records
that Dr. W. O. Ayers took one at New Haven in 1853, J. N. C.
saw them at Saybrook prior to 1873, Dr. Wood saw one at East
Windsor Hill in 1874, Rev. J. H. Hand took one at Cromwell,
10. and O., vii, 23, p. 181.
20. and Oz, viii, 10, p. 80.
3 OGlogist, vi, 12, p. 231.
4Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 91-2,
*
74 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. {Bull.
Sept. 23, 1874, at Westbrook, Oct. 16, 18, 1875, and Grinnell
reported one taken by Merwin at the mouth of the Housatonic
River in June, 1875.
Fall, 1879, Stamford, one seen (Hoyt) ; April.20, 1882, North
Stonington, one shot by O. G. Brown (in Peabody Museum) ;*
March 15, 1886, East Haven (L. C. S.); Aug., 1888, Stamford
(Hoyt) ; April 23, 1893, Stratford, one seen (Eames) ; Aug. 31,
1898, Old Lyme,‘ one seen (Brockway) ;? Aug. 17, 1902, New
Milford, one male caught by W. C. Pomeroy (H. K. J., in coll.
of L. B. B.) ;3 Aug: 21, 1902, Torrington, one seen by Hanson
(H. K. J.) 3 Aug. 27, 1902, Gaylordsville, one seen by E. H. A.
and H. K. J.; summer, 1903, Danbury, one wounded and kept
in captivity (J. C. A. M.); May 19, 1907, Danbury, one shot
(J. C. A. M., in coll. of L. B. B.).
Catharista urubu (Vieillot). Black Vulture.
Besides the doubtful record referred to by Merriam‘ of three
specimens killed by J. H. Hand at Westbrook, Aug. 10, Sept.
12, 21, 1874, the only records for Connecticut are: an adult ‘male,
shot by Robert Payne at East Lyme, July 6, 1901 (in coll. of
Hill) = and a specimen seen at Bolton reservoir, Oct. 10, 1870,
by Dr. Wm. Wood (MS. note to J. H. S.).
Suborder FALCONES. Vultures, Falcons, Hawks, Buzzards,
Eagles, Kites, Harriers, etc.
Family BUTEONIDE. Hawks, Eagles, Kites, etc.
Elanoides forficatus (Linnzus). Swallow-tailed Kite.
Connecticut records. Summer, 1861, Portland, one seen,
which “suddenly dove and arose with a snake in its talons,”
which it devoured in mid-air (H. W. C., recorded by Merriam) ;°
July 2, 1877, Lyme, one seen (J. G. Ely, recorded by Merriam) ;°
June 16, 1889, Saybrook, one seen, “an unmistakable specimen,
gracefully soaring in slowly receding circles; his long, pointed,
10. and O., vii, 18, p. 141.
2Auk, xv, I, p. 53.
8Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 296.
4Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 93.
5 Auk, xix, 1902, 1, p. 94.
Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 76-7.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 75
narrow wings, fully expanded tail with the outer feathers of
great length, pure white under parts in contrast with the dark
upper, presented distinctions so marked from all other native
species that recognition was instantaneous and unmistakable ”
(G.N.C)2
Circus hudsonius (Linneus). Marsh Hawk.
A tolerably common summer resident from April to October.
Occasional in winter.
Earliest record. New Haven, March 22, 1884, March 12,
1887 (L. B. W.); Portland, April 1, 1882.
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 11, 1903; Portland, Nov.
3, 1908. ;
Winter records. Feb. 8, 1882, Dec. 18, 1903, New Haven
(L. B. B.) ; Dec. 25, 1903, Bristol (F. Bruen).
Nest. Often built of sticks, lined with grass, and located on
the ground or on a slight hillock in an open marsh of high
grass.
Eggs. 3 to 7; the middle of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 9, 1878 (C. L. R.)?
Latest record. June 18, 1884, three eggs (C. L. R.)3
Accipiter velox (Wilson). Sharp-shinned Hawk.
A tolerably common summer resident from May until Octo-
ber; abundant in the fail migration in September and early Octo-
ber. Occasional in winter.
Earliest record. New Haven, March 19, 1904, March 9,
1887 (E. S. W.); Portland, March 27, 1886, 1899.
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 4, 1897; Portland, Nov.
23, 1909.
Winter records. Feb. 4, 1881, Jan. 19, 1887, Feb. 22, 1890,
Feb. 4, Dec. 13, 1895, Dec. 3, 8, 1898, Portland (J. H. S.);
Dec. 13, 1900, Woodbridge (Smith, in coll. of L. B. B.); Jan.
14, 1902, Northford (L. B. B.); Feb. 22, 1887, New Haven
(L. B. W.).
Nest. Almost invariably in a hemlock or pine tree, occa-
sionally in a maple, 10 to 50 feet above the ground. Nest made
10. and O., xiv, 8, p. 123.
20. and O., ix, 2, p. 16.
30. and O., x, 2, P. 25.
76 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [ Bull.
of hemlock or pine sticks and twigs, the larger ones on the out-
side, the smaller ones inside, with a small depression for the
eggs.
Eggs. 3 to 7, usually 5; toward the end of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 7, 1896, two eggs
(L, B. B.). Latest record. June 26, 1883, three eggs (C. L. R.).1
C. L. R. states that? “the first clutch almost always contains
five, but, if the eggs are taken successively as laid, the normal
clutch may run perhaps to fifteen or eighteen,” e.g., May 23,
1880, seventeen eggs.?
Both ovaries were developed in 17 of 20 females, chiefly young,
examined between 1902 and 1905 by L. B. B.
Accipiter cooperi (Bonaparte). Cooper’s Hawk.
A tolerably common summer resident from April to October,
though more common during the migrations; occasionally win-
ters. This species is annually becoming rarer over most of the
state.
Earliest record. New Haven, March 16, 1887, March Io,
1888 (Webb); Portland, March 14, 1808.
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 19, 1904; Portland, Nov.
12, 1904.
Winter records. Feb. 20, 1888, Feb. 1, 1894, Dec. 30, 1902,
New Haven (L. B. B.); Jan. 12, 1901, Portland (J. H. S.);
Jan. 31, 1902, Saybrook (J. N. C.).
Nest. In a hemlock or deciduous tree, usually toward the
center of a large piece of woodland; 30 to 70 feet above the
ground. ‘
Eggs. 4 to 6; usually 4 or 5; about the middle of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 28, 1884, one egg (L.
B. B.); April 30, 1886, three eggs (Eames). Latest record.
June 24, 1911, four eggs (C. G. H.). :
A pair of hawks will breed year after year in the same woods,
often in the same nest (C. L. R.).3
Frequently several days elapse between the laying of the dif-
ferent eggs of a set, oviposition usually occupying ten days.
10. and O., xiii, 3, pp. 34-7.
20. and O., vii, 15, p. 117.
80. and O., ii, 4, p. 25.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 77
For interesting articles on the nesting and breeding habits
of Hawks in this state, consult those of C. L. Rawson, who has
made a special study of Hawks in Norwich, as noted in the
bibliography.
One instance of the development of both ovaries has been
noticed by L. B. B.
Astur atricapillus atricapillus (Wilson). Goshawk.
A rather rare and irregular winter resident, occasionally
appearing in considerable numbers.
Earliest record. Oct. 5, 1886, New Haven (L. C. S.).
Latest record. April 12, 1907, Guilford (S. E. Watrous, in
coll. of L. C. S.).
Large flights recorded in January, 1897, especially in the
northern and eastern parts of the state (J. H. S.); in early No-
vember, 1906, and on through to March, 1907, near New Haven
(L. B. B.) ; and in the fall of 1907, in different parts of the state
(J. H. S.).
There are about thirty-five records of this species being either
seen or captured in this state.
Breeding record. H. K. J.2 records that “Mr. Williams
found a nest in Winchester, about fifteen years ago [about
1893]. It was in a chestnut tree, sixty feet up, and contained
two eggs. He shot the female for identification, and has the
eggs and complete data.”
Buteo borealis borealis (Gmelin). Red-tailed Hawk.
A common resident of the wooded hills of the interior of the
state; much rarer on the coast except in the fall migrations.
Most abundant (Portland) from April 15 to May 25, and
from Oct. 1 to Nov. 25, although recorded there during the en-
tire year. The majority pass through the state as migrants, but
this species winters regularly in small numbers throughout the
state, and is more common on the coast at that season than in
summer.
Nest. Very large nest of sticks and twigs, usually in a
deciduous tree, from 45 to 75 feet from the ground. It favors
1Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 297.
78 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. { Bull.
“dry hillsides where the woods are rather open and a wide range
of view can be had.” (C. L. R.)}
Eggs. 1 to 3; early in April.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. March 24, 1903, two eggs
(Beers). Latest record. April 30, 1888, two eggs (Eames) ;
May 23, 1873 (W. W. C.)2
This species will occupy the same nest year after year unless
disturbed, when it will build another nest in the vicinity (W. W.
C2 and C. L. R.)3
Mr. Rawson also notes the facility with which they are mated
when one of the pair is killed, the survivors often pairing within
a week or two, leading to the supposition that the old ones prob-
ably pair with the young of previous years.$
Buteo lineatus lineatus (Gmelin). Red-shouldered Hawk.
A common resident of the lowlands of the larger river valleys
and the marshy woodlands of the coast; the majority passing
farther south in October and returning in March, but many win-
tering regularly throughout the state.
In breeding these hawks return regularly to the same woods,
and often use the same nest as the previous year, unless that was
robbed. In that case they usually take the one in which they had
succeeded in raising their second set, or the nest occupied in an
earlier year. If the first set is taken, a second set is laid in from
three weeks to a month.
The following nesting records are a summary of 112 occupied
nests of this species examined by L. B. B., as. well as about 60
examined by C. L. R.*
Nest. Location: all in deciduous trees; chestnuts (72, L. B.
B., 39, C. L. R.), oaks (22, L. B. B., 10, C. L. R.), maples (9,
L. B. B., 1, C. L. R.), beeches (1 each), yellow birch, ash, and
hickory. Height: average, 35-50 feet from the ground, with the
extremes of 20 (C. L. R.) and 75 (L. B. B.). Situation in tree:
usually in the forking of the trunk at the top of the tree, fre-
quently lower down against the trunk at a point where two or
10. and O., vi, 5, p. 37.
3Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 85-6.
30. and O., ii, 4, p. 25.
O. and O., xvi, 1, pp. 1-19.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 79
more branches leave it, very rarely in the fork of a limb at some
distance from the trunk (L. B. B.). Material: sticks, frequently
lined with pieces of hemlock, cedar, pine, or ground pine (83,
L. B. B.), or without evergreen (11, L. B. B.), or lined with
leaves (C. L. R.). Oftentimes feathered. Old nests of crows
and other hawks often utilized.
Eggs. 2-5, usually 3 or 4; about the middle of April. Set
of 5 (L. B. B.), sets of 4 (17, L. B. B., 14, C. L. R.), sets of 3
(57, o B. B. 27, C. Ly B.), sets of @ (25, L. BL B., 13, C. L.
R.), sets of 1 (3, L. B. B.). Eggs from the same wood and
probably from the same birds have usually a certain resemblance
in size, color, or markings. The number of eggs in the first set
seems to depend largely on the weather in March, a warm open
March with little snow being followed by large sets, a cold and
stormy March by small sets. The most heavily marked egg is
usually laid first.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. March 30, 1894, two eggs
(L. B. B.). Latest record. May 6, 1901, two eggs (L. B. B.).
Late sets. May 28, 1899, four eggs (Hill, New London) ; June 1,
1884, two eggs (C. L. R., Norwich). .
In actions at the nest these hawks vary greatly individually ;
some leaving silently almost as soon as one enters the woods and
not returning, others waiting until the tree is struck before leav-
ing the nest, when they perch near by, crying frequently, and
swooping to within ten feet of the climber. As a rule, however,
the degree of solicitude shown depends on the length of incuba-
tion of the eggs; the nearer the eggs are to hatching, the more
anxiously the hawks protect them.
The egg of a Barred Owl in the nest of a Red-shouldered
Hawk has twice been found by L. B. B.; both times in the same
piece of woodland, which had been reduced from an extensive
tract by wood-choppers, thus leaving few suitable nesting-places
for large birds. One (April 13, 1901) contained three eggs of
the Hawk and one of the Barred Owl, with the Owl on the nest;
the other (April 1, 1902) contained two eggs of the Hawk and
one of the Barred Owl, with the Red-shouldered Hawk on the
nest. As the hawks’ eggs were in both instances further ad-
vanced in incubation, this species was probably the original
owner of both nests.
80 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
During the winter these hawks seldom circle high in the air,
as is so common at other seasons of the year, although they have
been noticed doing this (Feb. 14, 1903, L. B. B.).
Mr. C. L. Rawson of Norwich, who has made an extensive
study of the hawks in that vicinity, has recorded in his numerous
articles in O. and O. a considerable mass of interesting data on
eggs of this species, peculiar markings, and the recurrence of
these markings in one individual. Other data as to the number
and description of eggs taken from the same bird in successive
years are numerous, as well as descriptions of nests and their
location. We refer those interested in the subject to his articles
as recorded in the bibliography.
Buteo platypterus (Vieillot). Broad-winged Hawk.
A tolerably common summer resident from May to Septem-
ber, and common fall migrant in September; breeds most abun-
dantly in Litchfield county.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 21, 1888; Portland,
April 19, 1893.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 16, 1901, Nov. 13, 1906
(E. S. W.) [?]; Portland, Oct. 22, 1892.
Nest. Situated in the center of the deepest woodland acces-
sible. They vary in material from nests like those of the Red-
shouldered Hawk, well-lined with various soft materials, to
others resembling those of Cooper’s Hawk, a loose platform of
sticks lined with a few square pieces of bark.
Eggs. 2 or 3; about the middle of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 19, 1884, one egg,
later three (L. B. B.); May 6, 1900, two eggs (Blackwood) ;
May 14, 1894, three young, ten days old (G. L. H.). Latest
record. June 16, 1898, two eggs (H. W. F.).
The bird is very shy and is seldom seen on the nest.
One bird of this species with both ovaries developed has been
found by L. B. B.
This species frequently predominates in the hawk flights de-
scribed by C. C. T.t
Trowbridge, Hawk Flights in Connecticut, Auk, xii, 3, pp. 259-270.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 81
Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (Gmelin). Rough-
legged Hawk.
A rather uncommon winter resident, living about the larger
marshes from November to March.
Earliest record. * New Haven, Nov. 4, 1897. Latest record.
New Haven, March 8, 1901, April 20, 1889 (L. C. S.).
Connecticut records: Dr. Wood of East Windsor Hill occa-
sionally found it abundant in that locality, and took about forty
specimens ;? Merriam’ saw it near New Haven, Nov. 20, 1875;
Dec. 25, 1875, Feb. 16, 1880, specimens killed near East
Windsor Hill (in coll. of J. H. S.); Sept., 1879, Stamford, one
taken (recorded by Hoyt); Sept. (?), 1883, Saybrook (in coll.
of J. N. C.) 33 Oct., 1884, near Stamford (Hoyt, in coll. of L.
B. B.); March 30, 1887, Glastonbury (in coll. of J. H. S.);
Feb. 17, 1888, New Haven (in Flint coll. of Brewster) ; April 20,
1889, New Haven (in coll. of L. C. S.); Nov. 16, 1892, Stam-
ford (Schaler, in coll. of Porter); Dec. 8, 1894, New Haven
(A. H. V., in coll. of L. B. B.); Jan. 31, 1895, Nov. 4, 1897,
Jan. 16, 1899, Jan. 24, 1900, March 8, 1901, Feb. 7, Dec. 1, Dec.
18, 1903, between New Haven and Guilford (seen by L. B. B.);
Dec. 24, 1896, Fair Haven, seen in taxidermist’s shop (L. B. B.) ;
Nov. 20, 1901, Cromwell, two (in coll. of J. H. S.); Feb. 24,
March 6, 1906, New Haven (E. S. W.).
Aquila chrysaétos (Linnzus). Golden Eagle.
A rare winter visitant.
Connecticut records. Winter, 1856-7, Hartford, adult taken,
seen in the flesh by J. C. Comstock (J. H. S.); Dr. Wood occa-
sionally saw it about Hartford (prior to 1877) ;* Nov. 13, 1875,
Deep River, one shot (in coll. of H. W. F.); May, 1877, Say-
brook, one seen (J. N. C.);* 1879, Southbury, female shot
(Wood coll.) ; Oct. 29, 1881, Ragged Mountain, Barkhamsted,
one young shot by H. Wedge of Riverton;> Nov., 1884, and
Nov. 5, 1896, Stamford, two taken (recorded by Hoyt) ; Oct.,
1887, Preston, one shot (in coll. of G. H. Martin) ;* Nov. 1, 1892,
\Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 87-8.
2Samuels, Birds of New England, p. 576.
20. and O., viii, 10, p. 80.
4Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 89.
50. and O., vi, 10, p. 76; 12, p. 94 (more fully described).
0. and O., xii, 12, p. 206.
6
82 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Essex, adult female (in coll. of J. H. S.); Oct. 1, 1896, Wood-
bridge, one female shot (in coll. of A. E. V.) ;! Nov. 20, 1896,
East Haven, young male trapped (in coll. of L. C. S.); Jan. 19,
1897, Salem, adult male trapped (in coll. of C. L. R.) ;? Oct. 9,
1909, East Haven (in coll. of L. C. S.).
Halizetus leucocephalus leucocephalus (Linneus). Bald
Eagle.
A rather rare spring and fall migrant and occasional summer
resident; formerly bred in more unsettled parts of the state,
possibly a few still breeding.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 17, 1885; Portland, April
25, 1889; South Glastonbury, March 16, 1899 (seen by J. H. S.).
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 10, 1883, Nov. 20, 1875
(Merriam) 2
Winter records. Jan. 26, Feb. 25, 1891, Stamford (Hoyt) ;
Dec. 25, 1893, Middletown (J. H. S.).
Summer records. Numbers of this species have been seen
during May, June, July, and August, at various places in the state
(Deep River, Haddam Neck, Litchfield, Middle Haddam, Middle-
town, New Haven, North Haven, Portland, Saybrook, Stratford,
Stevenson) in 1880, 1882, 1883, 1886, 1888, 1890, 1891, 1905.
Breeding record. Job records‘ that “Late in April, about a
dozen years ago (1896), Mr. Williams found in Winsted a nest
on a rocky ledge which contained two good-sized young.
Several years previously he had found another nest in an un-
climbable tree, and also has seen young which could not have
been raised far off.”
Halizetus leucocephalus alascanus C. H. Townsend.
Northern Bald Eagle.
A young female was shot near Willimantic, Oct. 27, 1909,
by G. H. Champlin, and sent to L. B. B. in the flesh by C. R. H.
That the majority of Connecticut Bald Eagles belong to this
subspecies, is the belief of L. B. B.
1 Auk, xiv, 1, p. 89.
2 Auk, xiv, 2, p. 215.
Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 90.
4Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 297
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 83
Family FALCONID. Falcons, Caracaras, etc.
Subfamily Fatconinz. Falcons.
Falco rusticolus obsoletus Gmelin. Black Gyrfalcon.
There are only two records for this state: Winter, 1879,
west of Stamford (14 mile over the boundary in New York State,
but probably driven there from Connecticut by the northeast gale
then raging), killed by Dr. Chas. Rowell (seen by L. B. B.);
Jan. 27, 1907, Durham, female shot by A. Banks (in coll. of
J.H.S.)2
Falco peregrinus anatum Bonaparte. Duck Hawk.
A rare but probably regular fall migrant; a very rare sum-
mer resident.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 29, 1903;
Lyme, Sept. 14, 1895 (W. E. T.). Latest record. Guilford,
Oct. 30, 1907 (L. C. S.).
Winter records. Feb. 23, 1876, Milford (Grinnell) ;? Jan.
19, 1894, Stamford (in coll. of Porter).
Spring records. April 30, 1886, Portland, male shot (in coll.
of J. H. S.); May 9, 1888, Mt. Carmel (Webb and Searles) ;
May 9, 1899, Mt. Carmel (Bernard); May, 1900, Hamden
(Osborne) ; spring, 1910, Mt. Carmel (H. K. J. and Buttrick).
Nest. Eggs laid on a shelf of some precipitous cliff.
Eggs. 2-4; early in May.
Breeding records. May 25, 1861, Talcott Mt., near Hart-
ford, four young (Moses, recorded in Hartford Times, June 20,
1861, and by Merriam) ;? summer, 1863, same locality, two pairs
breeding (Dr. Wood) ;? May 1, 1872, Talcott Mt., three eggs
taken by P. H. Woodford (J. H. S.); May 9, 1888, Mt. Carmel,
three eggs (Webb and Searles, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; May 9, 1890,
Mt. Carmel, two eggs (Bernard, in coll. of L. B. B.); spring,
1910, Mt. Carmel, one pair and empty nest (H. K. J. and But-
trick).
Falco columbarius columbarius Linneus. Pigeon Hawk.
A tolerably common spring and fall migrant, most abundant
in October. Occasional in winter.
1 Auk, xxvi, 4, PP. 429-430.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 81-2.
SSamuels, Birds of New England, p. 11.
84 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. (Bull.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 30,
1904; Portland, April 24, 1873. Latest record. New Haven,
April 25, 1885; Portland, May 25, 1882.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 10, 1902;
Portland, Sept. 9, 1899. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 6,
1901; Portland, Nov. 6, 1876.
Winter records. Dec. 24, 1875, Portland; March 4, 1885,
New Haven; Jan. 5, 1897, Portland; Dec. 6, 1900, and Jan. 17,
1905, New Haven; Dec. 25, 1903, Bristol (E. A. Smith).
Falco sparverius sparverius Linneus. Sparrow Hawk.
A tolerably common resident, most frequently seen in the
early spring and the late fall. More common in the northern
half of the state.
J. H. S. and L. B. B. record this species during the entire
year.
Nest. Hole in tree, oftentimes the deserted nest of a Flicker
or other bird.
Eggs. 3 to 5; early in May.
Nesting dates. [Earliest record. April 29, 1890, five eggs
(Trowbridge). Latest record. May 20, 1882, five eggs (J. H.
S.); July 4, 1900, four young (Hill).
This species was formerly rare, Merriam! thus characterizing
it, adding that it breeds near Portland (W. W. C.) and some-
times near East Windsor Hill (Wood). Between 1890 and 1900,
however, it became somewhat if not very common during migra-
tions, and since then has been frequently noted. It is still com-
paratively rare as a breeder in this state.
Family PANDIONID. Ospreys.
Pandion haliaétus carolinensis (Gmelin). Osprey.
A tolerably common spring and fall migrant; a rare summer
resident near the coast in the southeastern part of the state.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 24,
1904; Portland, March 25, 1903. Latest record. New Haven,
May 30, 1901; Portland, May 20, 1882.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 27, 1895;
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 84.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 85
Portland, Aug. 11, 1897. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 18,
1888; Portland, Oct. 18, 1893; Danbury, Nov. 13, 1892.1
Eggs. 2 to 4; early in May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 22, 1897, three eggs
(Hill). Latest record. July 4, 1870 (F. S. Smith).?
They do not breed in the vicinity of Portland (W. W. C.
and J. H. S.), nor along the Connecticut River, except near its
mouth, where J. H. H. reports a colony of twenty-two pairs at
Niantic. C. L. R. reports them breeding commonly along the
shores of the Sound in New London County, and in several
swamps a dozen miles in the interior up the Thames River valley.’
Mr. Williams has known a pair to nest in Litchfield County.‘
L. B. B. saw a specimen in Warren, Litchfield County, June 7,
1900, and E. S. W. saw one in Litchfield, July 1, 1893, and July
4, 1905. These last are our only inland records during breed-
ing season.
Suborder STRIGES. Owls.
Family ALUCONID/@. Barn Owls.
Aluco pratincola (Bonaparte). Barn Owl.
A very rare accidental visitor from the south.
Connecticut records. Merriam® notes the following: Linsley
took it at Stratford ; about 1841, Hartford (Ayres) ; Oct. 28, 1868,
Sachem’s Head (in coll. of Wood) ; “some years ago” (before
1877), Madison (in coll. of Capt. Brooks).
Later records. About 1875, Stamford, one taken (Schaler) ;
June 15, 1891, Leesville, one shot by W. Chase (in coll. of J.
H. S.) ; Aug. 28, 1891, Litchfield, one shot (in coll. of L. B. W.) $
1892, Winsted, nest with six young in an old factory found by
H. Kinney (H. K. J.) ;? 1893, same locality, same nest, set of
seven eggs taken by Williams (H. K. J.); June 25, 1896, Port-
land, a young male taken (in coll. of J. H. S.); Sept. 11, 1903,
Stratford, male (in coll. of L. C. S$.) ; Sept. 14, 1906, Portland,
10. and O., xvii, 11, p. 172.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 88.
30. and O., x, 6, p. 89.
4Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 297.
5Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 66-7.
° Auk, ix, 2, p. 202.
7Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 298.
86 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
one shot (in coll. of J. H. S.); Jan. 15, 1911, East Hartford,
one taken (in coll. of J. H. S.). C. L. R. has recorded several
specimens from New London County.
Family STRIGID. Horned Owls, etc.
Asio wilsonianus (Lesson). Long-eared Owl.
A common winter and rare summer resident.
Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 25, 1904; Portland, Oct.
8, 1892.
Latest record. New Haven, March 21, 1904; Portland,
March 25, 1875.
Nesting records. April (prior to 1877), Berlin, nest with four
eggs (Brandegee) ;} April 25, 1880, Ellington, five eggs taken
(J. M. Wade) ; spring, 1881, Bristol, a set of eggs taken (E.
N. Brandegee) ; May 9, 1886, Woodbridge, nest with four young
(Augur) ; May, 1890, Northford, set of four eggs (Trowbridge,
in Trinity College Museum).
Other summer records. July 1, 1885, Litchfield (L. B. W.);
April 24, 1906, New Haven (L. B. W.); May 1, 1906, North
Haven (L. B. B.).
Asio flammeus (Pontoppidan). Short-eared Owl.
A common fall and tolerably common spring migrant; most
frequently noted in October and March; winters rarely.
Spring migration.. Earliest record. New Haven, March 2,
1894, Feb. 17, 1905 (Sherman) ; Portland, Feb. 9, 1911. Latest
record. New Haven, March 31, 1896; Portland, April 29, 1883.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 7, 1906;
Portland, Oct. 8, 1890. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 29,
1884; Portland, Dec. 12, 1903.
A favorite haunt of these birds is the salt-water marshes,
where they sometimes congregate in flocks. Between sixteen and
twenty of these Owls were found by L. B. B. in the marshes at
Guilford, Oct. 17, 1890, more than half of them being within a
space twenty yards square.
Breeding records. “ Nests on the ground. Not uncommon ”
(Merriam).3 Dr. William Wood of East Windsor Hill recorded*
1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 69, 70.
20. and O., vii, pp. 161-2.
8 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 70.
40. and O., ix, 1, pp. 10-11,
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 87
that a nest was found “ some thirty years ago” half a mile from
his office, the nest being on elevated ground, in a meadow, and
composed of fine grass, and containing four eggs; 1876, an egg
presumably of this species found in the grass at Groton Long
Point, and brought to C. L. Rt
Strix varia varia Barton. Barred Owl.
A common resident along the coast; rarer in the interior,
where it is most common during October and November.
Nest. Usually in a hollow tree or in the deep crotch of a
tree; frequently in old hawks’ nests; most common location a
chestnut tree; height from the ground, 6 to 45 feet; nest often
heavily feathered, and so deep as to hide bird from observation.
Eggs. 2-4 (of 22 nests recorded by C. L. R.,? 7 contained
3 eggs and 15 contained 2 eggs each) ; March 25 — April 15.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. March 17, 1886, one egg
(L. B. B.). Latest record. May 10, 1879, two eggs (C. L. R.).
J. N. C. wrote L. B. B. that he considered this species “ the
most destructive enemy of birds, game, and domestic fowls
among all the Hawks and Owls.” :
In the winter the numbers of the resident birds are often
augmented by a flight from the north. This was the case in the
winter of 1882-3, when twenty-six were brought to Mr. Herr-
man, then taxidermist of the Peabody Museum; and again in
the fall of 1894, when twenty-five were brought to A. H. V. to
be mounted.
Scotiaptex nebulosa nebulosa (J. R. Forster). Great Gray
Owl.
A very rare straggler from the north.
Connecticut records. Jan. 6, 1843, Stratford, one taken
(Linsley) 3 Jan. 22, 1893, North Haven, a male secured by a
farmer (A. H. V., in Peabody Museum); March, 1907, East
Haven, one secured by an Italian and sold to a restaurant in
New Haven, where it was purchased, a then freshly mounted
specimen, by L. C. S.
10. and O., xvi, 4, Pp. 59.
20. and O., x, 2, p. 25; xiii, 3, Pp. 37-40.
3Am. Jour. Sci. and Arts, [1] xliv, 2, p. 253; recorded by Merriam, Birds of
Conn., p. 70.
88 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Cryptoglaux funerea richardsoni (Bonaparte). Richard-
son’s Owl.
An extremely rare accidental visitor.
The only records for this state are: mid-winter, about 1860,
near East Windsor, one captured and presented to Dr. Wood :!
Nov. 12, 1906, Kent, a male found dead by an Indian woman
(obtained by H. K. J., in coll. of L. B. B.)?
Cryptoglaux acadica acadica (Gmelin). Saw-whet Owl.
A rather rare resident, most frequently observed in the win-
ter, but breeding rarely.
Of the 42 records which we have for this species, 39 were
between October 12 and March 28, the other 3 being summer
records. This Owl has been recorded from the vicinity of Port-
land (19 times, J. H. S.), New Haven (9), Stamford (3),
Bridgeport (2), Milford (2), Chester, Stony Creek, Fairfield,
Winsted (1 each), Litchfield (4), thus showing a pretty general
distribution. Merriam’ is of the opinon that the apparent scarce-
ness of the bird may rather be due to its “diminutive size and
nocturnal habits.” -
Summer records. April 1, 1894, Chester, a set of five eggs
taken by H. Bennett (in coll. of H. W. F.) ; June 8, 1896, Bridge-
port, one seen, and later its nest probably identified (Beers) ;
May, 1895 (?), Winsted, a pair with.three young seen in an old
Crow’s nest (Williams) .*
These little owls seem to suffer both from the weather and
from the persecution of larger owls. One in the coll. of Porter
was found dead in very cold weather, and their remains have been
found in the woods several times by L. B. B. One found April
10, 1893, had been apparently killed by an owl; and another
was found in the stomach of a Barred Owl, which had been shot
at Lake Saltonstall, March 3, 1883.
Development of both ovaries has been seen once by L. B. B.
Otus asio asio (Linnzus). Screech Owl.
A tolerably common resident.
Nest. In a hollow tree, most frequently an apple tree in an
orchard.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 73.
2Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 298.
8Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 74.
4Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 299.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 89
Eggs. 4 or 5; the last of April.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 9, 1910, three eggs
(C. G. H.). Latest record. May 9, 1892, two eggs (Beers).
This species frequents even our largest cities, as one was seen
by L. B. B. on New Haven Green on the evening of Feb. 22,
1885, and another on April 3, 1893.
Bubo virginianus virginianus (Gmelin). Great Horned Owl.
A tolerably common resident, especially of the wilder por-
tions of the state.
Nest. This owl usually occupies the old nest of a hawk,
crow, or squirrel, though occasionally building for itself. Height:
45-75 feet from the ground. Location: most frequently in a
hemlock or pine, or perhaps a chestnut or cedar.
Eggs. 2-3; last of February or early in March.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. Feb. 19, 1877, two eggs
(J. H. S.); March 9, 1904, three young (L. B. B.). Latest
record. April 25, 1902, two eggs (Hill).
L. B. B. and H. K. J. have both noted an unusual habit of
the parent birds in apparently destroying the nest when the
young become old enough to balance themselves in the fork of
the tree, thus removing the conspicuous nest and leaving the
bird well protected by the harmony of its colors with the bark
of the tree.
Nyctea nyctea (Linneus). Snowy Owl.
At present a rather rare and irregular winter resident, prob-
ably absent most winters, but occasionally occurring in consider-
able numbers, especially along the coast. Most frequently re-
corded in November and December.
Earliest record. Stamford, Sept. 18 (Schaler), Oct., 1874
(Hoyt). Latest record. Branford, April 15, 1902 (G. V. Smith).
Recent records. Although this species was noted pretty regu-
larly up to 1890 or thereabout, records in later years have been
growing increasingly scarce. During the winter of 1901-2 large
numbers of Snowy Owls appeared on the New England coast
and not a few of them reached Connecticut; captures were re-
ported during this period from Stonington, Mystic, Noank, New
London, and Niantic by Hill, from Saybrook by J. N. C., from
Clinton by J. Peck, from Milford by L. C. S., and from Branford
go CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
by L. B. B. About April 15, 1902, Branford (G. V. Smith) ;
Nov. 18, 1905, Nov. 20, 1906, Portland (J. H. S.); Nov. 19,
1905, Stamford (Porter); Nov., 1905, New Haven (L. C. S.
and L. B. B.); Dec. 23, 1905, Danbury (J. C. A. M.); Nov. 22,
1910, New Haven (Minor).
Surnia ulula caparoch (Miiller). Hawk Owl.
The following are the only records for this state: Nov., 1869,
New Haven, bird secured by Dr. F. W. Hall (recorded by Mer-
riam' as the first Connecticut specimen) ; winter, 1879, near
Stamford, one seen at a distance of twenty feet in flight and
plainly identified (Hoyt).
Order COCCYGES. Cuckoos, etc.
Suborder CUCULI. Cuckoos, etc.
Family CUCULID. Cuckoos, Anis, etc.
Subfamily Coccyzinz. American Cuckoos.
Coccyzus americanus americanus (Linnzus). Yellow-
billed Cuckoo.
A tolerably common summer resident from the middle of
May to the middle of September.
Earliest record. New Haven, May to, 1894, May 8,' 1894
(A. H. V.); Portland, May 7, 1895.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 16, 1900; Portland, Oct.
17, 1894.
Nest. Usually in a bush or slender tree in a thicket; height
” from ground, 5 to 10 feet (one 40 feet) ; composed of sticks and
twigs, and just large enough to hold the eggs.
Eggs. 3-5; usually early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 24, 1898, four eggs
(J. H. H.). Latest record. Aug. 26, 1889, two eggs (W.I.C.)?
Unusual records. June 7, 1894, a nest containing two eggs
of this species and two of the Black-billed Cuckoo, with the
female Yellow-billed sitting, was found by L. B. B.; about 1877, °
a single egg found in a Robin’s nest along with eggs of the latter
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 73.
2O6logist, vi, 12, p. 231.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. OI
species (L. B. B.) ; two nests with five eggs each, found in sum-
mer of 1884 (C. E. L.).t
In a single apple tree, J. C. A. M. found, June 15, 1902, nests
containing either eggs or young of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, the
Scarlet Tanager, Robin, Baltimore Oriole, Wood Thrush, and
Least Flycatcher.
Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (Wilson). Black-billed Cuckoo.
A common but irregular summer resident from the middle
of May to August; not nearly as plentiful now as in the nineties.
Earliest record. New Haven, May Io, 1904, May 7, 1905
(A. A. S.); Portland, April 23, 1886; Litchfield, May 9, 1905
(E. S. W.).
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 14, 1903, Sept. 21, 1907
(A. A. S.); Sept. 28, 1875 (Merriam) ;? Portland, Sept. 109,
1899; Litchfield, Sept. 21, 1891 (L. B. W.) ; East Hartford, Oct.
3, 1887 (W. E. T.).
Nest. In a small bush or young tree in a thicket or occa-
sionally in an orchard; 2 to 12 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 2-4, usually 3; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 18, 1891, one egg (J.
C. A. M.). Latest record. Aug. 2, 1881, three eggs (L. B. B.).
Unusual records. May 29, 1896, nest containing three eggs
of C. erythrophthalmus and one of C. a. americanus, and June 6,
1897, two eggs of the former with one of the latter (L. B. B.),
in both instances the Black-billed Cuckoo being on the nest; June
7, 1893, nest containing seven eggs of the Black-billed Cuckoo
(L. B. B.); June 10, 1894, three eggs, of which one measured
only .75 by .61 inch (J. C. A. M.).
Suborder ALCYONES. Kingfishers.
Family ALCEDINID. Kingfishers.
Ceryle alcyon (Linnzus). Belted Kingfisher.
A common summer resident from April to October; rarely
wintering. ;
Earliest record. New Haven, April 3, 1902, March 27, 1907
(A. A. S.); Portland, April 5, 1893.
10. and O., ix, 10, p. 128.
2 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 63.
92 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 4, 1901, Nov. 13, 1875
(Merriam) ;1 Portland, Nov. 22, 1895.
Winter records. Feb, 13, 1874, Hartford (Humphrey) ;! Jan.
14, 1883, Portland (W. W. C.) ;? Jan. 15, 1883, Middletown (C.
H. N.) ;3 Feb. 14, 1888, Seymour (Eames) ; Feb. 17, 1902, Say-
brook (J. N. C.); Jan. 17, 1905, Stamford (Vanhavenberg, re-
corded by Hoyt) ; winter, 1905-6, a number wintering in Stam-
ford (Porter) ; Jan. 20, 1906, North Haven (E. S. W.); New
Haven, one seen, Dec. 25, 1905 — March 7, 1906, and Dec. 5,
1906 — March 17, 1907 (A. A. S.).
Nest. A burrow excavated in a sand-bank to the depth of
4% to 7 feet; no nesting material as a rule for fresh eggs, while
those incubated repose on a mass of small fish bones and scales.
Eggs. 4-10, usually 7; latter part of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 9, 1881, six eggs
(Beers). Latest record. July 2, 1881, seven young (L. B. B.).
Unusual records. June, 1881, Litchfield, nest with ten young
(L. B. W.).
May 10, 1904, a hole was found in a sand-bank near New
Haven by L. B. B. about which a pair of Rough-winged Swallows
were flying. Early in the morning of Monday, May 23, neither
hole nor swallows were to be seen, all evidence of the former
having disappeared by the caving of the bank, caused by the re-
moval of sand. After some effort the entrance was found, a
stick passing easily through the loose sand that concealed it. At
a depth of about five feet a male Kingfisher was found sitting
on seven eggs and a round pebble about the size of an egg. This
bird must have remained there imprisoned since the carting of
sand ceased on Saturday, although with one stroke of its power-
ful bill it could have regained its freedom, to burrow out being,
apparently, beyond its mental power.
Order PICI. Woodpeckers, Wrynecks, etc.
* Family PICIDAZ. Woodpeckers.
Dryobates villosus villosus (Linnzus). Hairy Wood-
pecker.
1
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 63.
30. and O., viii, 3, p. 24.
80. and O., viii, 4, p. 32.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 93
A tolerably common resident; apparently more numerous in
the winter.
Nest. In a cavity in a living limb, but usually a short distance
below a dead limb of sufficient size to affect the density of the
wood below. Location, an apple tree in an orchard or a deciduous
tree in the woods. Height from ground, usually between 15 and
30 feet.
Eggs. 2-4; early in May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 30, 1904, two eggs
(L. B. B.). Latest record. May 30, 1901, four eggs (Hill).
Dryobates pubescens medianus (Swainson). Downy
Woodpecker.
A common resident.
Nest. Usually in the dead limb of a tree in the orchard,
woods, or along the roadside. (Of 13 nests recorded by J. H.
S. six were located in willow trees or stumps, the remainder in
poplars, maples, and black birch trees.) Height from ground,
10-40 feet. Building, April 30 — June 3.
Eggs. 4-5; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 16, 1896, five eggs
(H. W. F.); May 16, 1899, five eggs (Hill). Latest record,
June 12, 1882, four eggs (J. H. S.).
Both the Downy and the Hairy Woodpecker excavate holes
during the fall in which they pass the winter nights.
Picoides arcticus (Swainson). Arctic Three-toed Wood-
pecker.
Merriam! records that a specimen was taken at Simsbury in
1860 (in Shurtleff coll., Wesleyan University Museum), and that
Dr. Wood had taken it at East Windsor Hill. These are the only
Connecticut records.
Sphyrapicus varius varius (Linneus). Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker.
A tolerably common spring and fall migrant in April, Octo-
ber, and November; rarely wintering.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 64.
94 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 2,
1888 ; Portland, April 9, 1875. Latest record. New Haven, April
27, 1900; Portland, April 23, 1902.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 28, 1898,
Sept. 16, 1887 (H. W. F.); Portland, Sept. 17, 1894. Latest
record. New Haven, Dec. 2, 1882; Portland, Oct. 25, 1896.
Winter records. Dec. 17, 1881, New Haven, young female
taken (L. B. B.) ; Feb. 10, 1899, New Haven, one taken (Osborne
and Austin).
Summer records. May 10, 1887, Portland (J. H. S.) ;.May
6, 1893, Fairfield (Eames, in coll. of Beers).
Breeding record. H. K. J. reports' that Mr. Williams has
in his possession two sets of eggs found in two nests in Winsted
about 1893.
Phloeotomus pileatus abieticola (Bangs). Northern Pileated
Woodpecker.
A rare winter and spring visitant; very rarely breeding.
Connecticut records. Linsley reported it from Stratford and
New Haven; W. W. C. noted one killed in Portland in Novem-
ber, 1876 ;? King took one at Suffield “ several years ago” (prior
to 1877) ; spring, 1879, Stamford, two seen and plainly identified
(Hoyt) ; Nov. 1, 1890, Granby, one taken by Welch (J. H. S.) 3
May Io, 1894, Neversink Swamp, Danbury, one seen (Hamlin) ;
winter, 1894-5, Granby, one seen (Welch) ; Dec., 1900, Cornwall,
one seen ;* June 13, 1903, New Hartford, one shot by Sweetland
(in coll. of J. H. S.).
Breeding records. May 30, 1901, Torrington, nest with one
young found 20 feet from the ground in a pine tree in a very
large cavity (Hanson) ;> Mr. Williams found nests of this species
a dozen years ago (1896) in the vicinity of Litchfield
Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linneus). Red-headed
Woodpecker.
A rare fall migrant; a very rare spring migrant and summer
resident; an irregular winter resident; formerly an abundant
resident.
1H. K. Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 299.
3Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 64.
8 Auk, X, 4, DP. 371.
4Auk, xviii, 2, p. 193.
5H. K. Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 300.
,
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 95
Old records. Dr. Wood of East Windsor Hill recorded* in
1881 that “forty years ago they were about as common as the
Yellow-hammer [Flicker] in this part of the state. They en-
tirely disappeared in 1847, and I did not see another specimen
until 1860.” Prof. Silliman informed Prof. A. E. Verrill in 1864
that these birds were abundant residents near New Haven as
late as 1840. Linsley gave it from Stratford, and Merriam?
recorded it as rare in 1877, noting also that it was rare in the
vicinity of Portland (W. W. C. and J. H. S.). Hence this bird
may be considered abundant until the forties, since which time
it has become increasingly rare.
Fall records. Most of the recent records of this species in
Connecticut are for the fall (late September and early October),
when the Red-headed Woodpecker is occasionally noted accom-
panying the Flickers in their fall migration. New Haven, abun-.
dant between Oct., 1881, and March, 1882 (L. B. B.); also, 12
records by L. B. B., 3 by L. B. W., 2 by Webb, 1 by A. H. V.
Portland, 9 fall records by J. H. S. Litchfield, 3 records by E..
S. W., 1 by L. B. W. Stamford, 3 records by Hoyt. Bridge-
port, 2 records by Beers and Eames.
Breeding records. Prior to 1863, East Windsor Hill, two
eggs collected by Dr. Wood (in Peabody Museum) ; prior to:
1880, Guilford, one egg taken (in coll. of L. B. B.); May 20,
1882, Portland, five eggs (J. H. S.); 1893, New Haven, nest
with young (Hedges); May 10, 1898, New Haven, pair seer
by A. H. V. ‘and L. B. B.; June 23, 1906, Litchfield, set of four
eggs (E. S. W.); brood of young seen about July, 1909, New
Haven (A. A. S.).
Other spring records. Portland, May 15, 1883 (J. H. S.);
New Haven, May 19, 24, 25, 1883 (L. B. B.); May 22, 1886,
March 7, 1887, May 10, 1888 (Webb) ; May 20, 1902, May 19,.
1907 (A. A. S.); spring of 1908, birds seen and-nest found (N..
H. Bird Club).
Summer records. July 3, 1876, June 3, 1898, Portland (J.
H. S.); summer of 1882 rather common, June 29, 1884, New
Haven (L. B. B.).
10, and O., vi, 10, pp. 78-9.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 65.
«
96 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Winter records. Dec. 31, 1872, Dec. 3, 1881, Dec. 30, 1895,
Dec, 21, 1910, Portland (J. H. S.); Dec. 13, 1883, New Haven
(L. B. B.).
Centurus carolinus (Linnzus). Red-bellied Woodpecker.
The following are the only Connecticut records: Linsley saw
one “ ascending an apple tree on the 16th of October, 1842 ;” * Dr.
Crary informed Merriam’ that he had killed it near Hartford,
and E. I. Shores that he. had taken a female, July 30, 1874, at
Suffield. In the Linsley collection of the Bpt. Sci. Soc. is a
mounted bird of this species collected: by Sidney Mather, but it
may not have been taken in Connecticut.
Colaptes auratus luteus Bangs. Northern Flicker.’
A common summer resident from April to October, the ma-
jority passing through the state as migrants; a few winter
regularly.
Earliest record. New Haven, March 18, 1882;* Portland,
March 10, 1898.
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 10, 1903;* Portland, Nov.
3, 1908.
Winter records. New Haven, Dec., 1882, 83, 96; Jan., 1882,
83, 86, 94, 95, 98, 1901, 02, 03, Feb., 1883, 1904, 1912 (L. B. B.) ;
Jan., 1884 (L. C. S.); Portland, Dec., 1885, 1908, Jan., 1898,
1909, II, 12, Feb., 1910 (J. H.S.).
Fall flight. Large numbers of these birds fly westward along
the coast late in September in the fall migration, flying early in
the morning and alighting on the dead tops of trees. The morn-
ings on which these birds are most abundant are similar in tem-
perature conditions to those formerly known as “ pigeon morn-
ings ’—-clear, cool mornings following a sudden drop in tem-
perature; and, until the law protecting these birds put a stop to
the practice, “ Yellow-hammer shooting” filled the gap left by
the extermination of the Passenger Pigeon. Poles were fastened
on the tops of tall and isolated trees, and the hunter waited below,
hidden under a screen of boughs, and shot the Flickers as they
1Am. Jour. Sci. and Arts, [1] xliv, p. 263; recorded also by Merriam.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 65.
3]KXnown also as the Yellow-hammer, Golden-winged Woodpecker, Highhole, and
Pigeon Woodpecker. Called ‘ Woodquoi” in Portland.
4Migrants.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 97
alighted on this pole. Recently large numbers of these birds,
sometimes as many as several hundred in the coursé of an hour
in the early morning, flying rapidly westward, have been seen
by L. B. B. near New Haven, Sept. 28, 1898, Sept. 25, 1900,
Sept. 29, 30, 1903, Sept. 22, 1904.
Nest. A hollow excavated by the bird, or a natural cavity
in a tree, at from 5 to 30 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 5-10, commonly 7 or 8; latter part of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 9, 1896, five eggs (J.
H. S.). Latest record. June 19, 1872, seven eggs (J. H. S.);
July 12, 1881, six young (L. B. B.).
L. B. B. found a nest, June 6, 1882, containing 11 eggs and
2 young; but, as one-half the eggs were perfectly fresh, the
cavity was doubtless occupied by two females; one taken by C.
W. W., May 21, 1888, contained 10 eggs.
Forty-eight holes made by woodpeckers were counted on one
side of a large dead stump in the woods at Guilford by L. B. B.,
March 14, 1885, about twenty of them having been made by this
species.
A. H. V. shot a Flicker with the upper mandible so deformed
as to be useless for working on wood, Sept. 28, 1897; and L.
B. B., one with the feet and head so badly infected with some
kind of fungous disease that one eye was entirely closed, Oct. 16,
1906; both are in coll. of L. B. B.
Order MACROCHIRES. Goatsuckers, Swifts, etc.
Suborder CAPRIMULGI. Goatsuckers, etc.
Family CAPRIMULGIDZ. Goatsuckers, etc.
Antrostomus carolinensis (Gmelin). Chuck-will’s-widow.
A mounted specimen in the Peabody Museum was caught
alive by Mr. Decatur Morgan in New Haven, May 17, 1889.
This bird has been recorded also by Mr. A. H. Verrill+
Antrostomus vociferus vociferus (Wilson). Whip-poor-
will.
A common summer resident of woodland from May to
August.
10, and O., xiv, 6, p. 96.
7
98 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 22, 1893; Portland, April
23, 1886.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 17, 1900; Portland, Sept.
21, 1893.
Nest. Eggs deposited on a few dead leaves on the ground,
usually not far from the border of the woods.
Eggs. 2; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 18, 1893, two eggs (J.
H. S.). Latest record. July 4, 1884, two eggs (H. W. F.).
Late fall records. Nov. 1, 1880, Noank (C. L. R.) ;? Oct. 5,
1go1, Westville (G. V. Smith, in coll. of L. B. B.).
Chordeiles virginianus virginianus (Gmelin). Nighthawk.
Formerly an abundant summer resident of the open pastures
from the middle of May to September; now rare through most
of the state in the breeding season, and occurring commonly only
in the fall migration.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 7, 1888; Portland, April
28, 1888.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 17, 1890; Portland, Oct. 10,
1902.
Nest. Eggs laid on a rock, or on a bare place on the ground
in a pasture; rarely on the flat roofs of houses in the cities.
Eggs. 2, rarely 1; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. .May 26, 1896, two eggs (H.
W. B.); May 26, 1900, two eggs (H. W. F.). Latest record.
July 1, 1898, two eggs (J. H. H.).
Recent breeding records. Although this bird is reported as
still tolerably common in the vicinity of Stamford both by Hoyt
and Porter, throughout most of the state it is only a rare sum-
mer resident. The last pair seen near New Haven by L. B. B.
was on May 15, 1900, this pair having left the open fields where
they have been so persecuted, and taken refuge in a small open-
ing in the woodland. The last nest recorded by J. H. S. from
the vicinity of Portland is one found June 6, 1894.
A remarkable migration of these birds was witnessed by L. B.
B. near Sachem’s Head, Guilford, early in September, 1880 (?),
late. in the afternoon. Large numbers of these birds, collected
10. and O., v, 10, p. 78.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 99
in a broad band that extended from horizon to horizon, were
watched flying westerly not far from the coast for about a quar-
ter of an hour; the number of birds still passing showing little
diminution when he was obliged to leave.
Suborder CYPSELI. Swifts.
Family MICROPODIDA. Swifts.
Subfamily CHztTurinz. Spine-tailed Swifts.
Chetura pelagica (Linneus). Chimney Swift.
An abundant summer resident from May until September.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 19, 1884, April 14, 1876
(Osborne) ;! Portland, April 18, 1896.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 29, 1888; Portland, Oct. 11,
1877.
Unusual record. New Haven, Nov. 7, 1907, one found dead
after a heavy storm (L. B. B.).
Nest. In a chimney.
Eggs. 3 to 5; latter part of June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. June 4, 1897, five eggs (J.
H. H.). Latest record. July 4, 1890, three eggs (H. W. B.).
In the latter part of the summer these birds often collect in
large flocks, sometimes three or four hundred strong, and spend
the night together in some commodious chimney. Flying over
this chimney in a broad circle toward dark, some of them are
constantly dropping into it until all have disappeared for the
night. One such roosting chimney was found in Portland by
J. H.S. in 1877, and another in Guilford by L. B. B. in 1884.
‘
Suborder TROCHILI. Hummingbirds.
Family TROCHILIDA. Hummingbirds.
Archilochus colubris (Linneus). Ruby-throated Humming-
bird.
A tolerably common summer resident from the middle of
May until August, but apparently not as common as formerly.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 4, 1882; Portland, May
5, 1905.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 59.
.
100 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. { Bull.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 29, 1882, Oct. 16, 1874
(Merriam) ;! Portland, Oct. 2, 1905.
Unusual record. March 1, 1902, Saybrook, a female beat
itself against the panes in a window in the house of J. N. C.,
trying to reach some flowers inside.
Nest. Usually made of lichens or material closely resembling
the bark of the tree on which it is located; as a rule from 9 to
12 feet from the ground, in orchard or garden, in the woods or
in the shade trees of the city streets.
Eggs. 2 (invariably); early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 13, 1891, two eggs
(H. W.B.). Latest record. Aug. 4, 1881, two eggs (Smith) ;?
Aug. 14, 1910, two eggs (C. G. H.).
Order PASSERES. Perching Birds.
Suborder CLAMATORES. Songless Perching Birds.
Family TYRANNID. Tyrant Flycatchers.
Muscivora forficata (Gmelin). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.
The only record of this species is a specimen shot, April 27,
1876, at Wauregan, by Mr. Carpenter. “ The bird first attracted
Mr. Carpenter’s attention by its opening and closing the tail
while flying about a small sheet of water in quest of insects.’®
Tyrannus tyrannus (Linneus). Kingbird.
A common summer resident, arriving during the first two
weeks in May, and going south in Apgust.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 1, 1896, April 13, 1877
(Dayan) ;* Portland, April 28, 1881. Thirty-five out of thirty-
nine years’ records for Portland were between May 1 and May
14 (J. H.S.). ,
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 15, 1902; Portland, Sept.
10, 1887.
Nest. Usually on the topmost branch of an apple tree at
from 12 to 25 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 2-6, usually 2 or 3; early in June.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 62.
20. and O., vi, 7, p. 53-
8 Bull. Nuttall Ornith. Club, ii, 1, p. 21; recorded also by Merriam, Birds of
Conn., p. 50.
4Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 49.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. IOI
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 29, 1898, four eggs
(J. H. H.). Latest record. July 4, 1882, four eggs (L. B. B.).
Unusual sets. June 3, 1894, Branford, nest with six eggs
found (Nichols) ; July 6, 1882, New Haven, nest with six young
(L. B. B.).
Albinos. Aug., 1880, Laurel Hill, near Norwich, an albino
Kingbird found ; the body pure white, wings and tail a light cream
color (no date given).1 Aug., 1890 (?), Woodbridge, a remark-
able albino taken; its bill, tarsi, toes, nails, and the entire
plumage being pure white, except that the wings and tail were
tinged with sulphur yellow. The eyes were deep pink. (In pos-
session of J. M. Blake, New Haven.)
Myiarchus crinitus (Linneus). Crested Flycatcher.
A tolerably common summer resident of orchards and wood-
land from the middle of May until August. In Litchfield it is
rare (E. S. W.).
Earliest record. New Haven, May 1, 1906; Portland, May
4, 1896.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 18, 1903.
Nest. An old woodpecker’s hole or other cavity, usually
from 7 to 15 feet from the ground; in an apple tree.
Eggs. 3-6; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 27, 1896, six eggs (L.
B. B.). Latest record. June 18, 1892, five eggs (J. C. A. M.).
Unusual record. May 27, 1889, Northford, set of seven eggs
(A. M. Linsley) 2
A nest of this species was once found by Mr. W. R. Nichols
built somewhat like that of a Kingbird on the branch of a tree.
This is very unusual, as this species practically always occupies
a cavity in a tree.
Sayornis phoebe (Latham). Pheebe.
A common summer resident, arriving the last of March and
remaining until October.
Earliest record. New Haven, March 20, 1894, March 14,
1goz2 (A. A. S.), Feb. 25, 1876 (Hall) 3 Portland, March 18,
10. and O., v, 6, Pp. 47-
2Odlogist, vi, 12, p. 233.
3Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 52.
102 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT, HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
1898, 1907; Hartford, March 13, 1898;1 Jewett City, March 15,
1902.1 ;
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 18, 1904, Oct. 26, 1906
(E. S. W.); Portland, Oct. 14, 1891, 1893.
Winter records. New Haven, Dec. 25, 1909 (D. B. P., C. H.
P., and A. W. H.); one seen, Dec, 21, 1905 — March 10, 1906,
and Nov. 25, 1906 — Jan. 22, 1907 (A. A. S.).
Nest. On the pillar of a porch, the rafter of a shed, inside
an abandoned house, in the cellar of a barn, under a bridge, on
a ledge of rocks, under the overhanging edge of a bank, or in
the upturned roots of a tree; nest of mud and moss, lined with
horse-hair.
Eggs. 3-6; early in May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 27, 1898, five eggs
(L. B. B.). Latest record. July 10, 1882, six eggs (C. L. R.)2
Nests are occasionally placed in abandoned nests of the Barn
Swallow, while one containing five eggs was found placed in an
old Robin’s nest on a girder in a barn, May 15, 1893, in Trumbull
(Beers).
An unusual nesting site was noted by W. W. C., Portland,
on “a brace under the guards of the steam ferry-boat running
{at that time] between Middletown and Portland.”*? This nest
was seen by J. H. S.
Nuttallornis borealis (Swainson). Olive-sided Flycatcher.
A rare spring and fall migrant in late May and September.
Spring records. May 24, 1892, New Haven, male taken
(Hedges, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; May 24, 1893, New Haven, female
taken (A. H. V.); May 23, 1900, May 23, 1902, and May 10,
1909, New Haven, two taken, another seen (L. B. B.).
Fall records. Aug. 5, 1874, Suffield, male taken (Shores) ;*
Oct. 18, 1875, New Haven, one seen (Merriam) ;* Aug. 27, 1903,
Danbury, young female taken, and pair with three young seen
several times during summer of 1903 (Hamlin) ; Sept. 13, 1904,
New Haven, young female taken (L. B. B.); Aug. 31, 1904,
1 Bird-Lore, x, 5, p. 210.
20. and O., xvii, 5, pp. 77-8.
30. and O., vii, 23, p. 183.
4Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 53.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 103
Sept. 8, 1906, New Haven, seen (L. B. B.); Sept. 15, 1905,
Litchfield, one taken (E. S. W.).
Myiochanes virens (Linnzus). Wood Pewee.
A common summer resident of woodlands and shade trees
from the latter part of May until late in August.
Earliest record. New Haven, May to, 1899; Portland, May
6, 1879, 1905.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 30, 1903; Portland, Oct.
3, 1890.
Nest. In an orchard, a shade tree (frequently an elm), or in
the woods, about 10 to 20 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 2-4; the latter part of June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. June 8, 1884, one egg (E.
H.E.). Latest record. July 12, 1903, three eggs (J. C. A. M.).
Flying young were seen by J. H. S. and L. B. B. in Salisbury
on the unusually early date of June 16, 1904.
Sets of three eggs each on the same fork of the same limb of
a certain tree were found by J. C. A. M., June 16, 1895, June 13,
1897, and June 19, 1898, with no nest there in 1896, and all three
sets very different in their markings.
Empidonax flaviventris (W. M. and S. F. Baird). Yellow-
bellied Flycatcher.
A rather rare spring and fall migrant in May, August and
September, keeping in secluded nooks in young woodland as it
passes through the state.
Spring migration. Earliest record.. New Haven, May 16,
1888, 1900. Latest record, May 28, 1909.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 15, 1907.
Latest record, New Haven, Sept. 1, 1896, 1906; Sept. 17, 1875
(Merriam).
_ At Stamford in late summer this bird is occasionally common,
as Mr. Porter secured ten males between Aug. 17 and Sept 26,
1893.2, Hoyt took one at Stamford, May 17, 1890, and L. B. B.,
one, May 25, 1905; Eames, at Stratford, May 7, 1892, and at
Bridgeport, May 27, 1892; W. E. T., one at East Hartford,
Sept. 20, 1887, and three, May 23, 1892 (in coll. of J. H. S.).
1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 59.
2Auk, xii, 1, p. 86.
104 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Empidonax virescens (Vieillot). Acadian Flycatcher.
A rare summer resident of the southern border of the state;
most common west of Stamford.
Earliest record. Stamford, May 17, 1890 (Hoyt).
Latest record. Stamford, Sept. 19, 1893 (Porter).
Spring records. June 24, 1874, Suffield, one taken (Shores) ;
May 17, 1890, Stamford, male taken (Hoyt, in coll. of L. B. B.);
June 13, 1891, New Haven, male taken (Hedges, in coll. of L.
B. B.); June 3, 1896, Guilford, male taken (L. B. B.).
Breeding records. Spring, 1875, Stamford, nest with five
eggs (Hoyt); June 25, 1893, Greenwich, nest with three young
(Voorhees) ;? June 2, 1894, Stamford, nest with three eggs
(Rowell) ; May 20, 1903, Danbury, one pair, believed to be breed-
ing, collected (Hamlin) ; June 2, 1906, Stamford, two nests with
three eggs each, two other pairs of breeding birds, six old nests,
found (Porter).2 Mr. Porter describes the nests as always
loosely thrown together with shreds hanging down from the
sides ; made of hemlock bark or grass.
Empidonax trailli alnorum Brewster. Alder Flycatcher.
A rare late spring and late summer migrant; regular summer
resident in northwestern part of the state.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 26,
1909 ; Litchfield, May 27, 1905 (E. S. W.). Latest record. New
Haven, May 31, 1904.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 9, 1904.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 7, 1905; Litchfield, Sept. 28,
1goo (E. S. W.).
Breeding records. June 22, 1886, Litchfield, nest with three
well incubated eggs (L. B. W.); June 12, 1900, Warren, un-
finished nest found, and a female, which would have laid in a
few days, taken (A. H. V. and L. B. B.); June 13, 1905, Litch-
field, three nests found, containing two sets of four eggs each
and one of three eggs, nests in alders and a spruce, between 1 and
2 feet from the ground (E. S. W.); June 18, 1906, Litchfield,
nest with four eggs (E. S. W.).
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 58.
2Auk, xi, 3, p- 259.
8 4uk, xxiv, 1, p. 99.
No, 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 105
Empidonax minimus (W. M. and S. F. Baird). Least Fly-
catcher.
A common summer resident of the orchards and shade trees
of the state from early May to August.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 27, 1885; Portland, April
21, 1880; Hadlyme, April 26, 1899;' Hartford, April 27, 1902.1
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 10, 1883, Oct. 1, 1907 (A.
A. S.)}; Portland, Sept. 4, 1893; Litchfield, Oct. 1, 1890 (L.
B. W.).
Nest. Of the 25 nests recorded in the last 5 years by J. H. S.,
7 were in elms, 6 in willows, 6 in ash trees, 3 in wild cherries, and
3 in poplars; height from ground, 15-30 fcet, except one at 5
feet and another at 40 feet; location, commonly an open swampy
place, occasionally !1 thick growth. Building, May 15 — June 8.
Eggs. 3-5; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 23, 1906, two eggs
(same nest, four eggs, May 26) (J. H. S.). Latest record.
June 27, 1888, five eggs (E. H. E.).
Suborder OSCINES. Song Birds.
Family ALAUDID. Larks.
Otocoris alpestris alpestris (Linnzus). Horned Lark.
An irregular winter visitor from November to March; most
common in small flocks along the coast. _
Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 2, 1906, Oct. 29, 1888
(L. B. W.).
Latest record. New Haven, April 15, 1882.
Inland records. March 22, 1875, Portland, two killed (one
in coll. of C. H. N.); Dec. 3, 1889, East Hartford, two seen
(W. E. T.); March 25, 1890, Portland, flock of thirteen seen
(C. H. N.); March 27, 1899, about thirty seen, March 30, 1899,
about twelve seen, Portland (S. R., one in coll. of J. H. S.);
Oct. 27, 1903, Nov. 14, 1904, Litchfield, small flocks seen
(E. S. W.).
A bird in which one tarsus had been broken and the foot had
become fastened in the feathers of the abdomen was taken by
L. B. B. in Guilford, Feb. 11, 1898.
1Bird-Lore, x, 3, p. 117.
‘
106 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Otocoris alpestris praticola Henshaw. Prairie Horned
Lark.
A rare winter resident in the state; breeding in Litchfield
County.
Winter records. Feb. 1, 1889, Guilford, one female taken
(L. B. B.); middle of Sept. to Oct. 10, 1900, Litchfield, a small
flock seen, and specimens collected Oct. 7, 8 (L. B. W.); Feb.
6, 1904, Westville, small flock, one shot (Smith, in coll. of L.
B. B.); Nov. 11, 1905, West Haven, flock of three taken (E.
S. W. and L. B. B.); Jan. 3, 1910, West Haven, female taken
(D. B. Pangburn, in coll. of L. B. B.).
Summer records. June 20, 1904, Salisbury, seen flying (J.
H. S. and L. B. B.); July 31—Aug. 4, 1905, Goshen;
April 22, June 2, July 8, 1906, Litchfield (E. S. W. and H.
Sanford).
Breeding records. May 24, 1891, Torrington, set of four
eggs with the female taken (Gath) ;! 1904, Watertown, pair
breeding (Dutcher) ;} May 25, 1905, Litchfield, pair breeding
(E. S. W.);? March 26, 1908, Danbury, nest with four eggs,
hatched March 27 (Judd).
Nest of this species thus described by Judd:? “A neat, well-
made structure of fine, soft dead grass was placed in a hollow
caused by the removal of a small stone on the gravelly western
slope of a large round-topped sand hill.”
Otocoris alpestris hoyti Bishop. Hoyt’s Horned Lark.
A very rare accidental visitor.
Connecticut records. March 4, 1893, Bridgeport, one male
and one female taken, somewhat nearer this form than a true
alpestris (Eames, in coll. of Beers); Feb. 17, 1894, Stamford,
male (Porter); March 7, 1903, Guilford, a male taken along
with two typical alpestris males from a flock of Horned Larks
(L. B. B.) ; Jan. 24, 1905, West Haven, male taken (A. Ganung,
in coll. of L. B. B.); Nov. 3, 10, 1906, Guilford, two taken
(E. S. W.).
1H. K. Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 3or.
2Auk, xxiii, 4, p. 461.
8 Bird-Lore, xX, 3, pp. 129, 130.
e
No. 20.] _THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 107
\
Family CORVIDE. Crows, Jays, Magpies, etc.
Subfamily GarRULINz. Magpies and Jays.
Cyanocitta cristata cristata (Linneus). Blue Jay.
A common summer resident, a few wintering regularly; the
majority going south early in October when there is a regular
western flight, and returning in April.
Earliest record. New Haven, March 25, 1893; Portland,
Feb. 8, 1896, Feb. 12, 1900, 06, 07, 08.
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 30, 1901; Portland, Nov.
27, 1880. :
Winter records. New Haven, Jan., 1882, 83, 84, 85, 1894,
95, 96, 98, 1900, OT, 02, 05 ; Dec., 1882, 83, 84, 1893, 95, 96, 1900,
03, 04, 05; Portland, Jan., 1881, Dec., 1881, 85, 87.
Nest. In a conifer or deciduous tree, usually near the border
of dense brush or woodland; height from ground, 5-15 feet.
Eggs. 3-6; early in May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 25, 1900, three eggs
(L. B. B.). Latest record. July 1, 1882, six eggs (L. B. W.).
Migrating flocks observed near New Haven, April 1, 18096,
Oct. 3, 1882, Sept. 30, 1890, Sept. 29, 1897, Sept. 29, 30, 1903
(L. B. B.). .
Subfamily Corvinz. Crows.
Corvus corax principalis Ridgway. Northern Raven.
Very rare.
Connecticut records. Dec. 28, 1889, West Haven, a bird,
from its size, flight, and the marked emargination of its primaries,
believed by L. B. B. to be a Raven, flew by him, about 125 yards
away and 100 feet from the ground. As it uttered no sound, its
identity is doubtful. Sept. 18, 1890, South Manchester, “a speci-
men of the American Raven was taken at this place” (O. J.
Hagenaw).?
Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos Brehm. Crow.
An abundant resident, gathering in flocks along the seashore
in winter, but many going farther south in October.
1 Migrants.
20. and O., xv, 10, p. 156.
108 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [ Bull.
A regular migration westward occurs near the coast late in
October, as has often been witnessed by L. B. B. and many others.
Roost. In the early eighties there was a larger winter roost
in a pine grove in Hamden, containing probably 10,000 birds on:
the night of Feb. 22, 1882 (L. B. B.).
Nest. Large nest of sticks, dry weeds, etc., often lined with
grapevine bark, usually close to the trunk of a chestnut or conifer,
or in the top of a poplar, birch, or other tree; 12 to 80 feet from
the ground.
Eggs. 4-7, commonly 4 or 5; middle of April.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 10, 1882, three eggs.
(L. B. B.). Latest record. June 12, 1892, four eggs (J. C.
A. M.).
Unusual eggs. Six pinkish eggs were found in a nest near
New Haven, May 8, 1884 (two in coll. of L. B. B.); light blue,
almost unspotted eggs also occur in nests in which the other eggs.
are normal; a single egg in a set of six found measuring only
1.20 by .87 inch, May 18, 1893, Stratford (J. C. A. M.); a set:
of four pinkish eggs is in the Wood collection at the Morgam
Memorial, Hartford, taken at South Windsor (J. H. S.).
A set of seven eggs was collected in the spring of 1893 near-
New Haven (H. W. F.).
L. B. B. records a Crow found in New Haven, Sept. 1, 1906,
with a peculiar hoarse voice, which upon examination was learned’
to be due to a profuse purulent rhinitis.
A cinnamon colored Crow is recorded from Groton, Aug. 20,.
1879.7
Corvus ossifragus Wilson. Fish Crow.
A rather rare resident near the coast, and extending some-
distance up the larger rivers.
Distribution. Small colonies and isolated nests have been:
found near the shore of the Sound at Woodmont, Milford, and.
Stratford (J. C. A. M.); at Niantic (Hill) ; New Haven (L. B..
B. and C. C. T.) ; Fairfield and vicinity (Eames) ;? various points.
in Fairfield County (Beers); along the Housatonic Valley, as
far north as Gaylordsville (Eames) ; along the Connecticut River-
10. and O., vi, 7, Pp. §5.
2Auk, x, ©, p. 89.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 109
(Canfield and Watrous). One was taken in North Haven, Feb.
20, 1902, by Mr. Harry Ludington (in coll. of L. B. B.).
Nest. Usually located in the small branches at the top of the
tallest tree in the vicinity, at a height of 35-6o feet from the
ground; the birds breed in single pairs or in small colonies, near
the coast.
Eggs. 3-5; early in May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 5, 1895, five eggs (J.
C.A.M.). Latest record. June 3, 1894, two eggs (J.C. A. M.).
Breeding records. May, 1888, New Haven, three eggs (C.
C. T.) ; May 12, 16, 1891, Fairfield, four and five eggs respectively
(Eames) ;1 June 3, 1894, two eggs (J. C. A. M.); May 5, 1895,
five eggs (J. C. A. M.); May 4, 1900, four eggs, and May 19,
1906, five eggs (Beers) ; May 12, 1901, Niantic, colony with five,
five, four, and three eggs, and four young (Hill) ; May 14, 1904,
four eggs, May 21, 1904, four young, and May Io, 1905, two sets
of five eggs (L. B. B.).
Family ICTERID. Blackbirds, Orioles, etc.
Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linneus). Bobolink.
A common but decreasing summer resident from the last of
May until August, most abundant in the northern part of the
state.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 5, 1898; Portland, April
27, 1891. The usual arrival is between May 5 and 15 (average
of 44 years’ records, J. H. S.).
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 25, 1895; Portland, Oct.
15, 1890. :
Nest. Eggs deposited on the ground in a meadow.
Eggs. 4-6; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 25, 1897, six eggs (H.
R. Buck). Latest record. June 20, 1887, four eggs (H. W. F.).
In the southern part of the state the Bobolink now breeds com-
monly only in the meadows bordering the larger a marshes, as
at Stratford and Hammonasset Point.
Mr. Buttrick notest that, from observations of this species
made at Woodmont, he believes the Bobolink is at times polyg-
amous; also that the young leave the nest before they are able
to fly, when they are cared for by the females.
1 Bird-Lore, xi, 3, pp. 125-6. ‘é
110 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. (Bull.
Molothrus ater ater (Boddaert). Cowbird.
A common summer resident from April to November; occa-
sionally lingers to January and probably winters.
Earliest record. New Haven, March 19, 1901; Feb. 20, 1887
(L. B. W.); Portland, March 21, 1910.
Latest record. New Haven, Dec. 1, 1903; Portland, Oct. 22,
1877.
Winter records. Jan. 15, 1874, Jan. 16, 1875 (Grinnell) ;2
Feb., 1886, Woodbridge (Augur) ; Jan. 11, 1887, East Hartford
(W. E. T.); Jan. 17, 1889, Bridgeport (Eames) ; Dec. 11, 1894,
Dec. 13, 1895, Portland (J. H. S.) ; Dec. 25, 1901, Jan. 10, 1902,
North Haven (Ludington, in coll. of L. B. B.); Dec. 26, 1904,
Stratford (H. W. B. and J. C. A. M.).
Nest. The Cowbird does not build a nest, but deposits its
egg or eggs in the nest of another and usually smaller species,
the Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow Warbler, and Oven-bird being most
frequently selected.
The following table shows the distribution of the eggs as re-
corded by J. H. S. and L. B. B. in 119 nests examined. The
numbers in the three columns are the numbers of nests of the
species named containing, respectively, one, two, and three eggs
of the Cowbird.
Red-eyed Vireo 16 4
Yellow Warbler 16
Oven-bird
Wilson’s Thrush
Redstart
Indigo Bunting
Field Sparrow
Pheebe
Maryland Yellow-throat
Song Sparrow
Yellow-throated Vireo
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Purple Finch
Scarlet Tanager
4
H
bow
ds
HNWWW WW Ww UMN AN
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 45.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. III
Wood Thrush
Blue-winged Warbler
Louisiana Water-Thrush
Yellow-breasted Chat
I
I
HB me NN
One Cowbird’s egg was found in one nest of each of the fol-
lowing species, viz., Orchard Oriole, Chipping Sparrow, Cedar
Waxwing, White-eyed Vireo, Worm-eating Warbler, Black and
White Warbler, Wood Pewee, and Brown Thrasher.
Other species recorded are Robin (J. C. A. M.), Towhee
(J. C. A. M. and Beers), Bobolink (L. B. W.), Bluebird
(A. A. S.).
' Eggs. 1-3, per nest; about the last of May or early in June.
Dates. Earliest record. May 11, 1904, April 29, 1906, one
in Phoebe’s nest (A. A. S.). Latest record. Aug. 4, 1882, two
in Red-eyed Vireo’s nest (L. B. B.).
There can be little doubt that the Cowbird often injures and
sometimes removes one or more of the eggs of the host. Fre-
quently the rightful egg has been found (L. B. B.) to be pierced
with small holes, and at least twice one lying on the ground out-
side the nest. On the average a nest containing an egg of this
parasite will be found to contain one less egg of the species own-
ing the nest than is normal to that bird.
Occasionally, as is well known, some of our smaller birds will
build a false bottom to the nest covering the intruding egg, and
lay their own above it. In a nest of the Yellow Warbler and one
of the Chestnut-sided Warbler, each containing four eggs and
an egg of the Cowbird buried in the bottom, found by J. C. A. M.,
it is certain that the Cowbird’s egg was the first laid, as in each
instance he had visited these nests a week earlier and had found
the Cowbird’s egg alone in each.
Although remaining in flocks practically all the year, Cow-
birds seem to separate into pairs for a short time in the spring.
At this time a single male may often be seen seated in some tree-
top, calling, while probably the female is looking for a nest in
which to lay.
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (Bonaparte). Yellow-
headed Blackbird.
Accidental.
II2" CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Connecticut records. 1878 (?), New Haven (?), a female
formerly in the collection of Dr. W. H. Hotchkiss and now in
the collection of L. B. B. (without label, but Dr. H. informed
L. B. B. that all of these birds were taken near New Haven,
chiefly during the spring of 1878) ; July, 1884, Hartford, one in
a flock of Red-wings shot (W. E. T.) ;? July, 1888, Stamford,
female shot (E. K. Colbron)?
Agelaius phceniceus phceniceus (Linnzus). Red-winged
Blackbird.
An abundant summer resident, occasionally wintering; the
males arriving on the average more than a month in advance of
the females.
Males. Average date of arrival, March 5-20. Earliest rec-
ord. New Haven, Feb. 10, 1896, Feb. 19, 1887 (Hooker), Feb.
20, 1887 (L. B. W.); Portland, Feb. 26, 1906,
Females. Average date of arrival, May 1-10. Earliest rec-
ord. New Haven, April 13, 1887; Portland, April 26, 1910.
Latest record. New Haven, Dec. 7, 1893; Portland, Nov. 23,
19006.
Winter Records. Jan. 15, 1874, Jan. 16, 1875 (Grinnell) ;?
Dec. 28, 1882, Dec. 27, 1883, Guilford, small flocks (L. B. B.);
Dec. 25, 1901, Jan. 10, 1902, North Haven, several collected
(Ludington, in coll. of L. B. B.); Jan. 7, 1905, Falls Village,
one seen (H. K. J.) ; Jan. 1, 1910, New Haven, several seen, one
female taken (C. H. P.).
Nest. On a tussock of marsh grass, a clump of weeds,
a bunch of cat-tails, royal fern, or in a low bush (alder).
Eggs. 2-5; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 16, 1894, four eggs
(J.C. A. M.). Latest record. July 2, 1881, three eggs (L. B. B.).
Agelaius phceniceus fortis Ridgway. Thick-billed Black-
bird.
A very rare straggler from the West in the fall, occurring
occasionally with the flocks of the other blackbirds in the roosts
in the Quinnipiac Marshes.
1Auk, iv, 3, Pp. 256.
20, and O., xiii, 12, p. 189.
3 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 45.
No. 20.] ‘THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 113
Connecticut records. Dec. 25, 1901, one adult male, Jan. to,
1902, young male and young female, Nov. 11, 1903, young male,
Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven (Ludington and L. B. B.,
in coll. of L. B. B.).
Sturnella magna magna (Linnzus). Meadowlark.
A common summer resident of the meadows and pastures;
a number winter regularly, sometimes in large flocks in the salt
marshes along the coast, and scatter about the country in the
last of March or early April.
Nest. Eggs laid in a tussock of grass in a field, or under a
piece of drift on a salt marsh.
Eggs. 4-6; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 17, 1890, three eggs
(J. H. S.); May 19, 1899, five eggs (J. H. H.); May 19, 1904,
five eggs (L. B. B.). Latest record. July 2, 1888, five eggs
(Beers) ; Aug. 14, 1883, four deserted eggs (L. B. B.).
One was heard singing as late as Oct. 22 (1892) by L. B. B.
Icterus spurius (Linneus). Orchard Oriole.
A tolerably common summer resident along the coast from
the middle of May until July, breeding as far up the Housatonic
valley as Gaylordsville; breeds rarely inland, however.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 2, 1908; Portland, April
30, 1896.
Latest record. New Haven, July 30, 1896; Portland, June
16, 1904.
Nest. Usually in an apple or pear tree in an orchard; height
from ground, 7-15 feet.
Eggs. 4-5; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 29, 1896, four eggs
(L. B. B.). Latest record. June 28, 1904, four eggs (Perry) ;
July 3, 1882, four young (L. B. B.).
Inland nesting records. June 2, 1885, Portland, nest with
five eggs (J. H. S.); June 10, 1900, Gaylordsville, nest found
(Austin and L, B. B.).
Unusual nesting site. Feb. 16, 1907, Portland, old nest in an
elm, 40 feet from the ground (J. H. S.).
1I4 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
One bird has been seen by Mr. Williams in Winchester.
One seen in Danbury, May 4, 1905 (J. C. A. M.).
Icterus galbula (Linnzus). Baltimore Oriole.
An abundant summer resident of the orchards and shade
trees of the roads and city streets, from May until August.
Earliest Tecord. New Haven, May 2, 1894; Portland, April
30, 1888. Average of 40 years’ records, May 6 (J. H. S.).
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 13, 1885; Portland, Sept.
8, 1885. -
Winter records. Nov. 15, 1885, Portland (J. H. S.) ;? Dec.
22, 1892, Portland (C. H. N.);3 North Haven, Dec. 9, 1901
(found dead by Mrs. L. Hemingway).
Nest. Usually in an elm, poplar, or maple; 20-75 feet from
the ground; built by the female, May 15 — June Io.
Eggs. 4-7; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 23, 1906, two eggs (J.
H. S.); May 25, 1895, five eggs (H. W. F.). Latest record.
June 21, 1882, one egg and three young (L. B. B.).
Abundance of species. Fifteen nests of this species were
noticed in the trees bordering Quinnipiac Avenue in Montowese,
in a distance of about two miles, March 3, 1893 (L. B. B.).
Again, in a walk of about the same length on Whitney Avenue,
New Haven, 35 nests were counted, almost all in elms, Jan. 9,
1901 ; but in the same walk on Feb. 17, 1908, only 10 nests could
be found, showing the great decrease of this species near New
Haven in recent years (L. B. B.).
Euphagus carolinus (Miller). Rusty Blackbird.
A common fall migrant in October; less common spring
migrant.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 24,
1888, March 20, 1905, 1906 (A. A. S.); Portland, March 20,
1905. Latest record. New Haven, April 20, 1905, May 13,
1907 (C. H. Pangburn) ; Portland, May 11, 1908.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 25, 1897,
Sept. 15, 1897 (A. H. V.); Portland, Sept. 17, 1895. Latest
1Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 302.
2 Auk, iii, 1, p. 135.
30. and O., xviii, 3, p. 47.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. II5
record. New Haven, Nov. 22, 1900, Dec. 13, 1906 (A. A. S.),
Dec. 25, 1911 (C, H. P.). Portland, Nov. 3, 1908; Litchfield,
Nov. 24, 1906 (H. Sanford).
Quiscalus quiscula quiscula (Linnzeus). Purple Grackle.
A common summer resident of the pines and spruces about
the towns and cities of the southern part of the state; breeds as
far north as Bethel, Litchfield, and Portland.
Earliest record. New Haven, March 4, 1882, Feb. 19, 1902
(A. A. S.); Portland, Feb. 20, 1880.
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 8, 1901; Portland, Nov.
8, 1892. These birds seem to migrate in two divisions, the first
leaving between August 24 and 30, the second between Sept. 25
and Oct. 30 (J. H. S.).
Winter records. Dec. 20, 1887, New Haven (L. B. W.);
Dec. 28, 1895, Hartford (J. P. Hall) ; Dec. 12, 1907, New Haven
(A. A. S.).
Nest. In a conifer, from Io to 40 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 3-5; May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 25, 1892, five eggs
(J. H. S.), April 25, 1895, five eggs (H. W. F.). Latest record.
June 8, 1887, five eggs (Watrous).
Unusual nest. A nest in the rushes of a marsh near Kent
found by H. K. J. Very unusual, since all other nests recorded
were in trees and usually at some distance from the ground.
By the latter part of June, the duties of nidification over, the
birds assemble in flocks and frequent the tops of trees in the
woods.
Intermediates between Quiscalus quiscula quiscula and eneus
are found breeding at Portland.
Quiscalus quiscula zneus Ridgway. Bronzed Grackle.
A tolerably common summer resident in the northern part of
the state, breeding in the conifers about the towns as far south
as Portland. An abundant fall migrant in October and Novem-
ber and irregular spring migrant in the southern part of the
state, and a common spring and fall migrant in the northern part.
1Probably some of these winter records refer to Quiscalus quiscula eneus.
116 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 25,
1898, Feb. 27, March 10, 1906 (E. S. W.); Portland, March 21,
1891. Latest record. New Haven, April 24, 1907.
Fall migration. Earliest record, New Haven, Oct. 6, 1903.
Latest record. New Haven, Dec. 12, 1889; Portland, Nov. 3,
1908.
Winter records. Jan. 23, 1884, Hamden (Munson) ; Jan. 17,
1895, New Haven (L. B. B.); Dec. 15, 1907, Jan. 22, 1908,
East Haven (F. F. Burr).
Summer records. July 8, 1886, Plymouth, adult female
*(Webb, in coll. of L. B. B.); July 3, 1907, Litchfield, one shot
(E. S. W.)
Roost. In the fall, thousands, probably tens of thousands,
of blackbirds roost in the broad beds of cat-tail rushes in the
Quinnipiac Marshes, about six miles north of New Haven. AIl-
though there are hordes of Red-wings, Cowbirds, Rusty Black-
birds, and Purple Grackles in late October and early November,
the Bronzed Grackles far outnumber any other if not all other
species combined. The blackbirds assemble as early as Sept. 26
(1904), increasing steadily to a maximum number at the end
of October, falling off to the middle of November, with a few
lingering into December in an open fall.
Soon after daylight each morning, the blackbirds leave the
rushes, the vast majority flying westward in two or three
enormous flocks, each several thousand strong, curving back and
forth in long sweeps across the sky, and disappearing over the
high ground to the west. Later small scattering flocks fly to all
points of the compass. Toward the latter part of the afternoon
(4 o’clock) the flocks begin to return from the west, a few from
other directions, settling at first in the trees, and then in the
rushes, until by 4:30 or 5 o’clock all have settled there for the
night. How far these flocks go to feed, L. B. B. has been unable
to ascertain; but it must be many miles, for he has frequently
seen flocks flying toward these marshes after 4 P. M. at various
places eight or more miles away (e. g. Yale field, Orange;
Saltonstall heights, East Haven; West Rock Ridge, some miles
north of Lake Wintergreen). They all go off to feed, so that,
during the daytime in the fall, blackbirds of all species are rather
rare in the immediate vicinity of New Haven.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 117
In a swampy spot, grown up with bushes and small trees, in
the Little River marshes, near Middletown, is a roost where
thousands of blackbirds congregate. Here the Purple and
Bronzed Grackles outnumber all other species in early November.
(J. H. S.)
Family FRINGILLIDA. Finches, Sparrows, etc.
Hesperiphona vespertina vespertina (W. Cooper). Eve-
ning Grosbeak.
A very rare accidental winter visitor; only recorded in recent
years.
Connecticut records. Last week in February, 1890, Cobalt
(Chatham), nine or ten seen, two killed, March 6, one male
(Bailey, in coll. of J. H. S.);? March 2, 1890, East Hampton
(Chatham), flock of 12-14 seen, one male killed (in coll. of H.
E. Rich) ;? March 10, 1890, Gaylordsville (New Milford),
female shot from flock of four or five (E. H. Austin) ;? April 12,
1911, Woodstock, male and female taken (in coll. of Wadsworth
Atheneum, Hartford).
The following reports of the presence of this species in
Connecticut have appeared in print. That of February, 1905,
in Litchfield was investigated carefully by Mr. E. S. Woodruff,
who decided the birds were not Evening Grosbeaks; and some
of the other records seem open to question, as no specimens were
collected. Feb. 1-14, 1905, Litchfield, flock of thirty (Hutchins)*;
Feb. 5-22, 1907, Bristol, several seen (Bruen); Oct. 17, 1909,
Talcott Mt., West Hartford, seen (St. John); Jan. 13, 1911,
Canaan, flock of eight (Adam)*; Feb. 12, 1911, Talcott Mt.,
. West Hartford, one pair seen (St. John)®; Feb. 13, 1911, Taft-
ville, a flock of eight males and eighteen females seen
(Werking)®; Dec., 1910— April, 1911, Woodstock, flock of
about seventy-five seen®.
1Forest and Stream, xxxiv, 10, p. 187.
2 4uk, xX, 2, p. 207.
8 Auk, vii, 2, p. 211.
4 Bird-Lore, vii, 3, p. 173.
5 Bird-Lore, xiii, 2, p. 94.
® Hartford Courant, Apr. 4, 1911.
118 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT, HIST. SURVEY. {Bull.
Pinicola enucleator leucura (Miller). Pine Grosbeak.
A rather rare and irregular winter resident from November
to March; usually absent, but occasionally occurring in consider-
able numbers.
Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 31, 1903; Portland, Nov.
I, 1903.
Latest record. New Haven, March 11, 1884; Portland, April
6, 1903.
Occurrence. New Haven, Feb., March, 1883 (G. E. V.);
Jan., March, 1884 (L. B. B.); March, 1884 (L. C. S.); March,
1893 (L. B. B.); Jan., 1893 (H. W. F.); March, 1907 (L. B.
B.).; Jan., Feb., 1896, large flights in New Haven and Stamford
(L. B. B., Andrews, Hoyt) ; Oct., Nov., 1903, and winter, 1903-4,
large flights, New Haven and Stamford (L. B. B., Hoyt).
Portland, Feb., March, 1873, Nov., 1874 — March, 1875, Nov.,
1875, Dec., 1877, 1878, Jan., 1881, Dec., 1882 — Feb., 1883, Jan.
— March, 1884, Dec., 1887, Jan. — March, 1893, Nov., 1895 —
March, 1896, Dec., 1896, Jan., 1898, 1900, Nov., 1903 — April,
1904, large flights, Nov., 1906, Nov., 1907 — March, 1908, large
flights, Jan., 1909. Litchfield, Oct. 26— Dec. 10, 1903, several
small flocks, Nov., 1906 (E. S. W.). New Canaan, 1903-4,
1904-5 (Mrs. Neide, by W. H. H.). Clinton, Nov., 1903 (H.
W. F.). Westbrook, Nov., 1903 (Hooker). Sharon, Jan., 1904
(Smith). Lakeville, 1903-4 (J. Truelove). Northford, Nov.,
1906 (E. S. W.). /
The above records show the irregularity of the occurrence of
this species, some winters passing without a record, and other
winters having several. It further shows the two greatest flights,
the winter of 1895-6, and 1903-4, the latter flight being recorded
not only from New Haven and Portland, but also from Stam-
ford, Litchfield, New Canaan, Sharon, Lakeville, Clinton, and
Westbrook.
4
Carpodacus purpureus purpureus (Gmelin). Purple Finch.
A tolerably common summer resident; winters irregularly in
the southern part of the state; most abundant during migrations
in March, October, and November.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 9,
1904; Portland, March 10, 1894. Latest record. New Haven,
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 119
May 15, 1907, 1909, May 25, 1907 (A. A. S.); Portland, May
30, 1889.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 30, 1903;
Portland, Oct. 8, 1894. Latest record. New Haven, Dec. 4,
1896; Portland, Dec. 9, 1884.
Winter records. New Haven, Jan. 4, Feb. 11, 1882, Dec. 28,
1883, Feb. 16, Dec. 29, 1884, Jan. 15, 1902, Feb. 24, 1912; Dec.
26, 1906 — Feb. 27, 1907, and up to Jan. 2, 1908 (A. A. S.).
Portland, Dec. 12, 14, 21, 1877, Feb. 25, 1882, Feb. 29, 1884, Dec.
16, 1895, Feb. 3, 1896, Feb. 15, 1898, Jan. 23, 1909.
Nest. In a conifer; about 20 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 2-4; last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 25, 1898, four eggs
(J. H. H.). Latest record. July 8, 1884, two eggs (E. H. E.).
In Litchfield it is a common summer resident (E. S. W.), but
it is rare at that season in the southern part of the state.
Loxia curvirostra minor (Brehm). Crossbill.
A rare and irregular winter resident between November and
May.
Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 11, 1906; Portland, Dec.
Io, 1874.
Latest record. New Haven, May 12, 1883; Portland, May 2,
1907.
Occurrence. New Haven, May 12, 1883 (L. B. B.), April
14, 1884 (Trowbridge) ; March 3-9, 1888 (H. W. F., A. H. V.);
Dec., 1889 (H. W. F.); Jan. 24-5, Feb. 1, 1890 (L. B. W.);
Jan. 31, Feb. 14, 1895, Jan. 24, 1900, Nov. 4, 1903, Oct. 11 — Nov.
27, 1906 (L. B. B.); Dec. 25, 1906 (A. A. S.); Dec. 26, 1909
(C. H. P. and A. W.H.). Portland, Dec. 10, 1874, Jan 26, 1875,
April 5, 1885, March 14, April 19, 1893, March 5, 1895, May 2,
1907. Bridgeport, Feb. 27, 1900 (Beers) ; Feb. 28, 1905 (Ham-
lin). Stamford, Feb. 10, 1890 (L. B. W.) ; Feb., 1893 (Porter).
New London, winter, 1899-1900, large numbers (Hill).
Cheshire, Jan., 1897 (Hotchkiss).
Loxia leucoptera Gmelin. White-winged Crossbill.
A rare straggler in winter.
Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 3, 1906; Portland, Dec.
14, 1899.
120 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST, SURVEY. [Bull.
Latest record. New Haven, Feb. 21, 1900, Feb. 26, 1888
(C. C. T.); Portland, May 12, 1900.
Connecticut records. Dec. 25, 1874, Jan. 27, 1875, Portland
(J. H. S.); Jan., Feb., March, 1875, “not uncommon” (Mer-
riam) ;* Dec. 7, 9, 1880, Norwich (Case, recorded by S. T. Hol-
brook) ;? Feb. 10-26, 1888, New Haven (Trowbridge); Dec.,
1889, New Haven (H. W. F.); Jan. 27, 1894 (A. H. V.); (for
winter, 1899-1900, see next paragraph); winter, 1903-4, New
Canaan (reported by Hoyt); Nov. 1, 1906, Stony Creek (A. H.
V.) ; Nov. 3 — Dec. 15, 1906, New Haven, common (L. B. B. and
E. S. W.) ; Jan. 5 — Feb. 20, 1907, New Haven (A. A. S.) ; Feb.
27— March 2, 1909, Middletown, two remained feeding in a
spruce tree for several days (Bliss).
Unusual flight, winter, 1899-1900. A great flight of this
species that visited New England this winter reached southern
Connecticut, being frequently noted in several places: Portland,
Dec. 14— April 16, frequently seen, especially abundant in Jan.
and Feb. (J. H. S.) ; New London, until March 1, in large num-
bers (Hill) ; Saybrook, early in Nov., through Dec. (J. N. C.);
Guilford, Jan. 24 (A. H. V., L. B. B.) ; New Haven, common in
flocks Feb. 6-21 (L. B. B.); Bridgeport, Feb. 27, hundreds seen
(Beers) ; Stamford, March 10 (Hoyt). They obtained a large
portion of their food from the fallen seeds of the hemlock, feed-
ing among the dry leaves like sparrows.
Acanthis hornemanni exilipes (Coues). Hoary Redpoll.
Connecticut record. Nov. 24, 1906, East Haven, an adult
female shot from a flock of common Redpolls by L. B. B. in
company with E. S. W.
Acanthis linaria linaria (Linnzus). Redpoll.
An irregular winter resident; formerly sometimes common;
scarce between 1882 and 1906 in southern Connecticut.
Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 24, 1906, Oct. 29, 1906
(A. A. S.); Portland, Nov. 27, 1889.
Latest record. New Haven, April 5, 1907 (A. A. S.); Port-
land, May 11, 1900.
1 Merriam, Birds of Comn., p. 35.
20. and O., vi, 4, p. 31.
No. 20. | THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 121
Occurrence. Portland, Feb. 22, 1875, Dec. 6, 1878, Dec. 21,
1880, Dec. 30, 1882, Feb. 9-10, 1883, Dec. 9, 1884, March 29,
1888, Nov. 27, 1889, April 5, 1890, Jan. 30, 1896, Feb. 19, 1896,
Dec. 6, 1899, May 11, 1900. New Haven and vicinity, 1866
(Whitney) ; Jan. 15, 22, 1879 (Woolsey, in Peabody Museum) ;
Jan. 22, 1879 (Osborne, in coll. of L. B. B.); about Feb. 15,
1883 (Osborne) ; March 2, 1884 (Allen); April 1, 1890 (L. B.
W.) ; Jan. 27, 1894 (A. H. V.); Feb. 27, 1900 (Beers) ; Oct. 29,
1906 (A. A. S.) ; Nov. 24, Dec. 8, 18, 1906, Jan. 22, 27, 1907 (E.
S. W. and L. B. B.) ; abundant Dec. 12, 1906 — March 15, 1907
(A. A. S.) ; seen frequently, winter of 1908-9 (C. H. P., D. B. P.,
A. W.H.). Bridgeport, Nov. 22, 1889 (Lucas, in coll. of Beers).
Fairfield, Feb. 22, 1900 (Beers). Stamford, Jan., 1889 (Camp,
in coll. of L. B. B.). Stony Creek, Nov., 1902 (A. E. V.).
Branford, Jan. 31, 1904 (Nichols). Litchfield, March, 1896
(Sanford) ; Nov. 29 — Dec. 1, 1906 (E. S. W.). Danbury, com-
mon, winter of 1908-9 (J. C. A. M.). Middletown, March 6,
1909 (flock appeared about two weeks before) (Bliss). Middle
Haddam, Jan. 28, 1912 (G. N. Lawson).
Acanthis linaria rostrata (Coues). Greater Redpoll.
The only Connecticut record is as follows: Dec. 17, 1878,
New Haven, two taken by Dr. W. H. Hotchkiss (in coll. of
L. B. B.).
Astragalinus tristis tristis (Linneus). Goldfinch.
An abundant resident, keeping in flocks from September to
May.
Nest. Frequently in a maple in the streets of some village,
or in some other tree, at from 5 to 30 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 4-6; late in July or early in August.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. July 1, 1900, five eggs
(Hill). Latest record. Aug. 31, 1906, five eggs (A. A. S.).
Spinus pinus (Wilson). Pine. Siskin.
An irregular winter resident from November until April;
sometimes very abundant, but usually absent.
Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 8, 1906; Portland, Oct. 15,
1908.
122 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST, SURVEY. [Bull.
Latest record. New Haven, May 7, 23 (?), 1888, May 109,
1907 (A. A. S.); Portland, May 22, 1911.
Occurrence. New Haven, Nov., 1882, Dec., 1884, Oct., 1887
(L. B. W.), May, Oct., 1888, Oct., 1889 (L. B. W.), March,
1894, Feb., April, 1896, Jan., Feb., April, 1900, Oct., 1906, Jan.,
May, 1907, Nov., 1911; Portland, March, 1884, Oct., 1887 —
May, 1888, Nov., 1889 — May, 1890, April, 1892, Dec., 1895 —
March, 1896, Dec., 1899-— March, 1900, March, 1902; May,
1904, Feb., 1907, Feb. — May, 1908, Oct., 1908— May, 1909,
May, 1911, Feb.—April, 1912.
Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis (Linnzus). Snow Bunting.
An irregular winter resident from November to March, most
frequent near the coast; occasionally in large flocks, but more
often not more than a dozen birds together.
Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 2, 1906, Oct. 22, 1889
(L. B. W.); Portland, Oct. 29, 1876.
Latest record. New Haven, March 8, 1882; Portland, March
20, 1875.
At Stamford it has been taken in September (Schaler), and
as late as March 19, 1892 (L. H. P.).
Large flocks. Jan. 25, 1875, Portland, flock of 200 seen (J.
H. S.); Feb. 15, 1883, Hamden, a flock that covered acres (Os-
borne) ; Jan. 18, 1884, Portland, flock of 150 seen (J. H. S.);
Jan. 27, 1898, Orange, flock of 200 (L. B. B.); Jan., 1905, Dan-
bury, flock of over 200 (J. C. A. M.).
Calcarius lapponicus lapponicus (Linneus). Lapland Long-
spur.
A rare and probably accidental late fall migrant.
Connecticut records. Merriam! recorded (1877), that one
was taken, Nov., 1874, at Suffield by Shores, others at New
Haven (no date) by Nichols, and others at Portland by W. W.
C. (reported by Grinnell); March 1, 1875 (approximately),
Portland, one received, caught here (W. W. C.); Nov. 29, 1884,
Saybrook, male (H. W. F., in coll. of Brewster) ; March .29,
1888, Saybrook, a male shot (W. E. T., in coll. of J. H. S.);
Dec. 12, 1891, Stratford, male and female taken (Beers) ; Nov.
1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 36.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 123
II, 1892, West Haven, male captured (H. W. F.); March 4,
1893, Bridgeport, four males (Eames); April 2, 1893, West
Haven (A. H. V., in coll. of L. B. B.); Nov. 10, 1893, West
Haven, a male (A. H. V., in coll. of Porter); Dec. 30, 1893,
Stratford, a female (Dunbar, in coll. of Beers) ; Nov. 22, 1895,
West Haven, a male (A. H. V.); Oct., 1904, Winchester, flock
of seven or eight seen by Williams (H. K. J.) ;* winter, 1904-5,
North Bridgeport, three flocks seen (Hamlin); Feb. 12, 1905,
Kent, one seen (H. K. J.) ; Jan. 21, 1907, New Haven, seven seen
(A. A. S.). : .
Pocecetes gramineus gramineus (Gmelin). Vesper Spar-
row.
Formerly an abundant summer resident of the upland
meadows from April until October; now rare over most of the
state, none being found in places along the coast where they were
common a few years ago.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 3, 1888, March 23, 1907
(C. H. Pangburn) ; Portland, April 1, 1905, 1908; Bridgeport,
March 14, 1902 ;? Jewett City, March 20, 1889.”
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 3, 1897, 1906, Nov. 4, 1906
(A. A. S.); Portland, Oct. 21, 1890.
Winter records. Dec. 31, 1887, New Haven, one male taken
(A. H. V.); Feb. 1, 1889, Guilford, one taken (L. B. B.); Feb.
17, 1902, Saybrook, two spending winter there (J. N. C.).
Nest. On the ground, usually in the grass of a dry and sandy
field.
Eggs. 3-5; last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 1, 1906, four eggs (A.
A. S.); May 3, 1881, four eggs (J. H.S.). Latest record. July
26, 1894, three eggs (H. W. B.).
This species seems never to have recovered from the great
freeze of 1895, when so many thousands of birds perished in the
southern states, and has become rarer annually since that date.
Passerculus princeps Maynard. Ipswich Sparrow.
A rare migrant and still rarer winter resident, in the beach
grass of the seashore from November to March.
1 Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 303.
2 Bird-Lore, xiii, 2, p. 86.
124 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Connecticut records. Nov. 4, 1875, New Haven, female taken
(Merriam) ;} March 24, 1883, Madison, one taken (L. B. B.);
Nov. 26, 1884, West Haven, one taken (L. B. B.) ; Nov. 12, 14,
Dec. 31, 1887, West Haven, three males (A. H. V.) ; Jan. 2, 1888,
Woodbridge [?], female (A. H. V.); Oct. 19, two, Oct. 22,
one, 23, one, 30, one, 1889, West Haven (L. B. W.); Jan. 5,
1892, Bridgeport, male (Eames) ; Nov. 1, one, Nov. 3, two, 1892,
West Haven (H. W. F.); Nov. 25, 1905, New Haven, male (E.
S. W.); Oct. 22, 1906, New Haven (E. S. W.); Jan. 3, I9gI0,
West Haven (A. A. S., in coll. of L. B. B.); Nov. 8, 1911, West
Haven, one (L. B. B.).
Passerculus sandwichensis savanna (Wilson). Savannah
Sparrow.
An abundant fall migrant in September and October through-
out the state; a tolerably common spring migrant in April on the
coast, rarer inland; a few breed at the borders of the larger salt
marshes and on inland meadows; they very rarely winter.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 29,
1901, March 24, 1906 (E. S. W.), March 24, 1883 (L. C. S.);
Portland, April 6, 1890; Hartford, March 31, 18882 Latest
record. New Haven, May 22, 1909; Portland, May 27, 1881.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 27, 1897;
Portland, Sept. 21, 1892, 1893. Latest record. New Haven,
Nov. 21, 1904; Portland, Oct. 26, 1892; Hartford, Nov. 29, 1888.
Winter records. Jan. 19, 1895, West Haven, male taken,
Dec. 26, 1911, East Haven, male taken (L. B. B.).
Nest. In the grass of a meadow bordering the large salt
marshes, as those at Hammonasset Point, the Stratford Marshes,
and formerly the Quinnipiac Marshes.
Eggs. 4-5; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 30, 1887, four eggs
(Watrous). Latest record. June 11, 1888, four eggs (H. W. F.).
This species is found as a tolerably common summer resident
in Litchfield by L. B. W.
Ammodramus savannarum australis Maynard. Grass-
hopper Sparrow.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 36.
2Bird-Lore, xiii, 3, p. 144.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 125
A common summer resident from May to July, chiefly of the
dry upper meadows, but breeding also to the borders of the salt
marshes of the coast.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 22, 1888; Portland,
May 5, 1879, 1902, 1904.
Latest record. New Haven, Aug. 6, 1896; Litchfield, Sept.
18, 1891 (E. S. W.); East Hartford, Oct. 21, 1885 (W. E. T.).
Nest. On the ground in a meadow.
Eggs. 4-6; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 23, 1897, six eggs (J.
C.A.M.). Latest record. Aug. 22, 1895, four eggs (H. W. B.).
This species has never been found at Stamford by either Hoyt
or Porter.
Passerherbulus henslowi henslowi (Audubon). Henslow’s
Sparrow.
‘A summer resident; common locally in Litchfield County, rare
elsewhere in Connecticut.
Earliest record. April 27, 1905, Litchfield (E. S. W.).
Latest record. Oct. 8, 1901, Litchfield (E. S. W.).
Records outside of Litchfield County. Danbury (Fairfield
Co.): May 14, 1905, two seen; June 1, 1905, set of five eggs;
May 6, 1906, and later, seen; 1908, a number seen (J. C. A. M.).
Bridgeport (Fairfield Co.): April 30, 1903. West Haven
(New Haven Co.): Oct. 27, 1888, one found dead (L. B. W.).
Northford (New Haven Co.): 1890, two pairs breeding there
(A. M. Linsley).2 Killingworth (Middlesex Co.): July 18,
1873, one killed (Hall). Norwich (New London Co.): July
3, 1882, set of eggs found (“Hawk”).* Eastford (Windham
Co.) : May, 1881, C. M. Jones records® that Henslow’s Sparrows
have been on the increase there during the past five or six years.
Pomfret (Windham Co.): June 1, 1906, heard singing (L. B. B.).
Windsor (Hartford Co.): May 24, 1906, male shot (E. S. W.).
Nest. On the ground among the ferns and grasses, composed
of dry grass, loosely woven together.
1 Bird-Lore, xii, 1, p. 14.
2 Odlogist, viii, 9, p. 180.
3 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 37.
4Young Odlogist, i, 11, p. 154.
60. and O., vie 3, pp. 17-18
126 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Eggs. 3-5; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. June 1, 1905, five eggs (J.
C. A. M. and L. B. B.). Latest record. Aug. 6, 1879, three eggs
(C. M. Jones).
This species frequents hillside meadows and swamps partially
overgrown with shrubbery.
Passerherbulus caudacutus (Gmelin). Sharp-tailed Spar-
row.
An abundant summer resident of the salt marshes from May
to October, often lingering into December and probably occa-
sionally wintering.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 4, 1887, April 30, 1889
(L. B. W.).
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. Io, 1883, Nov. 12, 1892
(H. W. F.).
Winter records. Dec. 2, 1882, Dec. 31, 1885, Dec. 12, 1889,
Guilford (L. B. B.).
Nest. In the salt grass, frequently under a little drift material.
Eggs. 3-7, usually 4 or 5; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 21, 1890, nest with
eggs (L. B. W.). Latest record. June 21, 1882, three eggs
(L. B. B.). A set of 7 eggs taken, New Haven, May 31, 1897
(L. B. B.).
Partial albino records. Dec. 31, 1885, Guilford (L. B. B.);
Oct. 12, 1900, Nov. 7, 1903, West Haven (L. B. B.); Oct. 24,
1904 (L. B. B.), Oct. 8, 1909 (L. C. S.), Quinnipiac Marshes,
North Haven; Oct. 25, 1905 (E. S. W.), Oct. 14, 27, 1905 (L.
B. B.), New Haven.
Another anomaly. A few of the feathers of the juvenal
plumage on the upper parts remained adherent to the tips of the
feathers of the first winter plumage, as the natal down usually
does to the juvenal, in specimens of this species taken in West
Haven, Oct. 12, 1900, Oct. 18, 1901, and Oct. 21, 1903 (L. B. B.).
A female hybrid between this species and the Seaside Spar-
row (Passerherbulus maritimus maritimus) was collected near
New Haven, May 1, 1890, by H. W. F. (now in coll. of
Brewster).
10. and O., vi, 3, Pp. 17-8.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 127
Passerherbulus nelsoni nelsoni (Allen). Nelson’s Sparrow.
A tolerably common fall migrant in early October; a rare
spring migrant the last of May; confined almost exclusively to
the salt marshes of the coast, and the wild rice, or water oats,
growing along the larger rivers.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 30,
1g02. Latest record. New Haven, June 1, 1901.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 14, 1904;
Portland, Sept. 21, 1892. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 29,
1904; Portland, Oct. 22, 1894; East Hartford, Oct. 30, 1891
(W. E. T.).
Unusual record. Litchfield, Sept. 28, 1906 (E. S. W.). (In-
land, and at a distance from a large river.)
In large series of P. neisoni nelsoni and P. nelsoni subvirgatus,
and an equal number of P. caudacutus, in coll. of L. B. B., no
intermediates can be found.
Passerherbulus nelsoni subvirgatus (Dwight). Acadian
Sharp-tailed Sparrow.
A common fall migrant in October, and much rarer spring
migrant the last of May, keeping very closely as a rule to the salt
marshes of the coast, and the wild rice, or water oats, growing
along some of the larger rivers.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 24,
1900, May 21, 1892 (H. W. F.). Latest record. North Madi-
son, June 9 (Dr. J. Dwight, Jr.).1
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 27, 1900;
Portland, Sept. 26, 1892; Lyme, Sept 25, 1896 (W. E. T.).
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 8, 1904; Portland, Oct. 21,
1893.
Passerherbulus maritimus maritimus (Wilson). Seaside
Sparrow.
An abundant summer resident of the salt marshes from May
until September.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 30, 1894, April 28, 1890
(H. W. F.).
1Auk, iv, p. 236.
128 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST, SURVEY. [Bull.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 19, 1893, 1900, Oct. 30,
1889 (L. B. W.).
Winter records. Dec. 30, 1882, Dec. 12, 1889, Guilford (L,
B. B.); Jan. 18, 1888 (A. H. V.), Jan. 17, 1888, Nov. 17, 1892
(H. W. F.), New Haven; Dec. 17, 1884, West Haven (Webb).
Nest. In the salt grass. .
Eggs. 3-5; last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 16, 1894, four eggs
(L. B. B.). Latest record. July 12, 1883, four eggs (J. N. C.).
Partial albinos. Oct. 30, 1889, New Haven (L. B. W.) ; Dec.
12, 1889, Guilford, male, the entire interscapular region, most of
the scapulars, the entire lower parts, and scattered contour
feathers in the rest of the plumage, white (L. B. B.); Nov. 17,
1892, Quinnipiac Marshes, female with many white feathers
(H. W. F.).
Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys (J. R. Forster). White-
crowned Sparrow.
A rather rare and irregular spring and fall migrant in May
and October; more common in the fall.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 4,
1896; Portland, May 12, 1889, 1905. Latest record. New Haven,
May 19, 1902; Portland, May 22, 1888.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 20, 1903;
Portland, Oct. 2, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 26,
1905; Portland, Oct. 16, 1893.
Winter records. Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 1874 (Merriam) ;} March
20, 1875, Portland (J. H. S.).
During the fall of 1893 this species was frequently noted in
the vicinity of Portland by J. H. S., and in the fall of 1903 near
New Haven by L. B. B. Near New Haven it has been noted
19 times in 11 different years since 1881 by L. B. B. Other
records outside of Portland and New Haven include the follow-
ing: Stamford, May 12, 1890 (Hoyt), Oct. 8, 1892 (Porter) ;
Litchfield, Oct. 10, 1891 (L. B. W.), Oct. 10, 1905 (Sanford) ;
East Hartford, May 6, 1893, Oct. 16, 19, 1895 (W. E. T.) ; Dan-
bury, May 21, 1905 (J. C. A. M.); Stratford, Oct. 14, 1891,
1892 (Eames).
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 40.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 129
Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmelin). White-throated Sparrow.
A common spring migrant in April and May, and even more
common fall migrant in late September and October ; occasionally
winters ; rare summer resident.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 11,
1882; Portland, April 13, 1892. Latest record. New Haven,
May 25, 1909; Portland, May 21, 1888.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 13, 1904;
Portland, Sept. 15, 1877. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 20,
1907; Portland, Nov. 28, 1885.
Winter records. Jan. 6, 1882, Dec. 19, 1900, Guilford (L.
B. B.); Jan. 1, 1886, Dec. 25, 1902, Feb. 7, 1903, Jan. 26, 1905,
Portland (J. H. S.); Dec. 20, 1904, Woodmont (L. B. B.);
abundant from Dec. 13, 1906, until spring of 1907, New Haven
(A. A. S.) ; Dec. 25, 1909, New Haven (C. H. P. and A. W. H.).
Summer records. June 18, 1904, Salisbury (J. H. S. and
L. B. B. ) (?); July 8, 1905, Winsted (J. H. S.) ; June 26, 1906,
Litchfield (E. S. W.).
Spizella monticola monticola (Gmelin). Tree Sparrow.
A common winter resident, arriving in November and
leaving in March; very abundant during these two months.
Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 16, 1900, Oct. 15, 1906
(A. A. S.); Portland, Oct. 10, 1890.
Latest record. New Haven, April 18, 1885, April 28, 1907
(A. A. S. and Pangburn) ; Portland, April 25, 1907, 1908.
The majority of these birds wintering in this state seem to
be males. Their songs may be heard almost any mild day during
the winter.
Spizella passerina passerina (Bechstein). Chipping Spar-
row.
An abundant summer resident of orchards and gardens from
April to October.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 2, 1904, March 28, 1902
(A. A. S.); Portland, April 5, 1892, 1910; Hartford, April 4,
1906 ;? Jewett City, April 5, 1907.7
1 Bird-Lore, xi, 6, pp. 256-7.
9
130 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT, HIST, SURVEY. [Bull.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 31, 1902; Portland, Oct. 23,
1890, 1909; Hartford, Oct. 29, 1887; East Hartford, Nov. 19,
1888 (W. E. T.).
Winter records. Feb. 23, 1877 (Grinnell) > Nov. 17, 1905,
Light House Point, New Haven (E. S. W.); Dec. 8, 1906, New
Haven (E. S. W.).
Nest. In a bush, vine or tree, 5-15 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 2-5; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 10, 1896, four eggs
(J. C. A. M.). Latest record. Aug. 23, 1883, two young
(L. B. B.).
The Chipping Sparrow chooses some very odd places for its
nest. It has been found built on the ground (L. B. B. and J. C.
A. M.), in very low bushes just a few inches from the ground,
on a dead limb (J. H. S.), ete.
A set of five eggs was taken near New London, May 29,
1897 (J. H. H.), and an unspotted egg in North Haven, May 23,
1883 (W. A. Robbins, in coll. of L. B. B.).
A female, many of whose breast feathers had dark central
shafts — as in juvenal Plumage — was taken in East Haven, May
1904 (L. B. B.).
Spizella pusilla pusilla (Wilson). Field Sparrow.
An abundant summer resident from April to November; rarely
wintering.
Earliest record. New Haven, March 29, 1898, March 14,
1902 (A. A. S.); Portland, March 28, 1910.
Latest Record. New Haven, Nov. 30, 1901; Portland, Oct.
26, 1892.
Winter records. Dec. 2, 1875 (Merriam) 3? Dec. 31, 1883,
New Haven (L. C. S.); Jan. 31, 1885, New Haven (L. B. B.);
Jan. 1, 1886, Portland (J. H. S.); Jan. 11, 26, 1886, Jan. 20-6,
1887, East Hartford (W. E. T.) ;3 Jan. 5, 1891, Feb. 6, 11, 1892,
New Haven (Hedges) ; Jan. 26, 1901, Dec. 18, 1906, New Haven
(L. B. B.); Jan. 26, 1907, North Haven (E. S. W.); a small
flock, Jan. 19 — Feb 4, 1906, Dec. 11, 1906 — Feb. 26, 1907, and
Dec. 7, 1907, New Haven (A. A. S.).
1Bird-Lore, xi, 6, pp. 256-7.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 39.
3Auk, iv, 3, p- 259.
No. 20. | THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I31
Nest. On the ground near the borders of an open field, or
I to 3 feet from the ground in a bush, frequently a juniper.
Eggs. 3-5; late in May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 10, 1887, four eggs
(H. W. B.), May 10, 1896, four eggs (J. C. A. M.). Latest
record. July 29, 1900, three eggs (J. C. A. M.).
Partial albinos. Aug. 26, 1893, Stamford, entire plumage un-
usually pale, tail feathers almost white (Porter); May 2, 1899,
New Haven, male with scattered white contour feathers (L. B.
B.); Jan. 26, 1907, North Haven (E. S. W.).
Junco hyemalis hyemalis (Linnzus). Slate-colored Junco.
An abundant fall and spring migrant in October, November,
and March, and common winter resident.
Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 19, 1900; Portland, Sept.
15, 1903.
Latest record. New Haven, May 4, 1898; Portland, April
27, 1907.
Summer record. A young male in striped juvenal plumage
taken at New Haven, July 27, 1903 (L. B. B.).
Partial albinos. A young bird having the crown and most
of the wings and tail ashy white, taken at New Haven, Dec. 21,
1900 (L. B. B.). Birds with the greater primary coverts spotted
with white have been taken near New Haven, Oct. 25, 1901, Nov.
10, 1903, and March 29, 1904 (L. B. B.).
Melospiza melodia melodia (Wilson). Song Sparrow.
An abundant summer and tolerably common winter resident,
the great majority arriving early in March and leaving in
November.
It winters regularly along the shores of the Sound, and was
especially abundant near New Haven and Bridgeport in Decem-
ber, 1904.
Period of singing. Earliest record. Feb. 21, 1900. Latest
record. Oct. 24, 1892.
Nest. On the ground, or in bushes and vines, 3-8 feet from
the ground, usually partially covered with dry grass, weeds, or
leaves, so as to be protected.
Eggs. 3-8; usually 4 or 5; the last of May.
132 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT, HIST, SURVEY. {Bull.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 3, 1886, four eggs
(Webb). Latest record. Aug. 24, 1883, three eggs (L. B. B.).
Unusual set. May 24, 1894, Stamford, eight deserted eggs
found, all closely resembling one another (Porter).
Partial albino. A female with head and throat unspotted
white, taken in Bridgeport, May 28, 1890 (Eames, in coll. of
H. W..B.).
Melospiza lincolni lincolni (Audubon). Lincoln’s Sparrow.
A rare fall and still rarer spring migrant in September and
May.
Spring records. Merriam records' one taken in spring of
1875, at Saybrook, by J. N. C., three in spring of 1877, at Lyme,
by J. G. Ely, and three more at Suffield, by E. I. Shores; April 24,
1886, East Hartford (W. E. T.) ;? May 18, 1890, Stamford
Porter); May 23, 1892, East Hartford, male and female shot
(W. E. T.) 33 May 15, 1900, New Haven (L. B. B.); May, 1901,
Stamford (Hoyt); May 12, 1907 (A. A. S.).
Fall records. Sept. 21, 1885, East Hartford, female (W. E.
T.); Sept. 15, 1887, Sept. 27, 1888, New Haven (H. W. F.);
fall, 1891, Stamford (O. P. Hoyt); Sept. 21, 1892, Portland,
one taken, Sept. 21, 27, 30, Oct. 3, 5, 1893, Portland, many seen,
eight obtained by W. E. T. (in coll. of J. H. S.); Sept. 2, 1893,
Stamford (Porter) ; Sept. 14, 24, New Haven (L. B. B.) ; Sept.
23, New Haven (A. H. V.); Sept. 25, 28, Oct. 26, 1895, New
Haven (H. W. F.); Sept. 29, Oct. 13, 1903, New Haven (L. B.
B.) ; Oct. 13, 1906, New Haven (E. S. W.) ; Oct. 6, 1911, New
Haven (L. B. B.).
Melospiza georgiana (Latham). Swamp Sparrow.
A common spring and abundant fall migrant in April, May,
September, and October; a tolerably common summer resident
of the northern part of the state, but in the southern part known
to breed only in the upper section of the Quinnipiac Marshes,
where it is common, and near Bridgeport; very rare winter
resident.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 38-9.
2Auk, iii, 4, p. 487.
8 Auk, x, 2, p. 206.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 133
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 2,
1895, 1901; Portland, March 14, 1893. Latest record. New
Haven, May 23, 1882, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May 21, 1900.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 16, 1904;
Portland, Sept. 21, 1892, 1893. Latest record. New Haven,
_ Nov. 11, 1903, Nov. 26, 1905 (E. S. W.); Portland, Nov. 28,
1885.
Winter records. Jan. 27, 1883, New Haven, one taken (W.
Kent) ; March 7, 1888, New Haven, one taken (H. W. F.) ; Jan.
3, 1903, Bethel, one taken (R. C. Judd) ; Feb. 12, 1906, Portland
(J. H. S.); Jan. 11, 1910, New Haven (C. H. Pangburn, in coll.
of L. B. B.); Dec. 26, 1911, East Haven (A. W. H., D. B. P.
and L. B. B.).
Nest. In a tussock of marsh grass in a fresh-water swamp.
Eggs. 4-5; the first part of June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 18, 1890, four eggs
(H. C. Judd). Latest record. June 22, 1907, four eggs
(J. H. S.).
Partial albinos. Young female taken at New Haven, Oct.
13, 1903, has greater wing coverts white and much white in rest
of plumage (L. B. B.); another female taken at Litchfield, Oct.
12, 1903, has back pure white and throat and breast chiefly white
(E. S. W.).
Passerella iliaca iliaca (Merrem). Fox Sparrow.
A common spring migrant in March and early April, and a
common fall migrant the last of October and November; win-
tering rarely.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 6,
1894, Feb. 25, 1906 (E. S. W.); Portland, March 2, 1883.
Latest record. New Haven, April 18, 1885, April 25, 1907 (A.
A. S. and Pangburn) ; Portland, April 26, 1875.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Oct. 2, 1907,
Sept. 16, 1895 (H. W. F.); Portland, Oct. 17, 1890, 1893.
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 30, 1901; Portland, Nov. 27,
1874.
Winter records. Jan. 5-6, 1882, Dec. 18, 1903, Jan. 9, 1905,
Guilford (L. B. B.) ; Dec. 29, 1883, Bridgeport (C. K. Averill) ;?
10, and O., ix, 2, p. 72.
f
134 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [ Bull.
Dec. 5, 1906, Dec. 24, 1907, New Haven (A. A. S.); Dec. 25,
1909, New Haven (C. H. P. and A. W. H.); Dec. 26, 1911, East
Haven (A. W. H., D. B. P. and L. B. B.). Bridgeport, rare,
but occurs in winter (Eames).
This species suffered severely in the winter of 1895, and not
until about 1901 did it regain its former numbers. For example,
J. N. C. wrote in March, 1902, that they were common at Say-
brook for the first time in five years.
They often sing as they pass through the state, a large flock
in full song having been noticed by L. B. B. on such winter dates
as Nov. 11 (1903), Nov. 2 (1904), March 15 (1894).
Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus (Linnzus).
Towhee.
A common summer resident from the latter part of April until
the middle of October. A rare winter resident.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 24, 1885, April 14, 1904
(A. A. S.); Portland, April 21, 1909.
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 3, 1883; Portland, Nov.
II, 1903.
Winter records. Jan. 22, 1876, Portland (J. H. S.); Feb. 11,
1882, Woodbridge (L. B. B.); Dec. 29, 1884, Guilford (L. B.
B.) ; Jan. 16, 1899, Guilford (L. B. B.) ; Dec. 26, 1904, Stratford
(J. C. A. M.); Jan. 16, 1905, East Haven (H. W. F.) ; Dec. 23,
1900, New Haven (A. A. S.).
Nest. Located on the ground in brush, under a bush, or at
the foot of a tree; occasionally a foot or two from the ground in
a small tree.
Eggs. 3-5; May 25-30.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 16, 1894, four eggs
(J. C. A. M.). Latest record. July 21, 18095, three eggs
(J. C. A. M.).
Probably eggs are laid at an even later date, as two males
that were evidently breeding were taken by L. B. B., July 26,
1904. Others were heard singing, July 27, 1903, and Aug. 9,
1904; and a female still in juvenal plumage was collected, Sept.
8, 1903.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 135
Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis (Linnzeus). Cardinal.
Connecticut records. Merriam! records that a specimen was
found in 1874 in New Haven by Mr. Thomas Bostwick and was
identified as a wild bird by Grinnell; May, 1885, Trumbull, a pair
seen (Beers) ; a male in the collection of M. B. Tobey of Canaan
may have been taken here, but is open to great doubt, since the
collection contains a number of birds from the South and the
West, and is not labelled; late in May, about 1900, Winchester,
a male with full crest seen (Williams).
Zamelodia ludoviciana (Linnzeus). Rose-breasted Gros-
beak.
A common summer resident from May until July.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 5, 1897, 1906, April 30,
1906 (A. A. S.); Portland, May 1, 1890, 1891, 1896, 1906, 1907.
Average of 32 years’ records, May 7 (J. H. S.).
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 24, 1906, Sept. 28, 1892
(H. W. F.); Portland, Sept. 28, 1892.
Winter records. Nov. 25, 1874, New Haven (Merriam) 3
Nov. 15, 1904, Bridgeport, an adult male found dead, apparently
killed by a recent storm (Beers). This was a peculiarly interest-
ing specimen, in that the recently assumed winter plumage dif-
fered from that of the spring only in having a few brown tips to
the feathers of head, back, throat, breast, and flanks, these tips
hiding the black only on the back, and in having a conspicuous
white malar stripe.
Nest. In the top of a slender tree, or bush, e. g., elder, willow,
elm, in a thicket in swampy woods; 5-15 feet from the ground,
occasionally higher.
Eggs. 3-5; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 19, 1891, four eggs
(J. C. A. M.). Latest record. June 18, 1888, three eggs (E.
H. E.) ; June 18, 1900, three eggs (L. B. B.).
Males hatched the previous year have occasionally in the
spring many of the feathers of the throat and upper parts tipped
with brown, and the rose-red of the breast prolonged almost to
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 44.
2Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 305.
3Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 43.
136 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
the bill. One in the collection of Porter has many of the feathers
of the head and upper parts edged with rose-red.
In 1849, by request of the late Dr. Jno. C. Comstock, many
of whose notes are published in this report, the name of the Rose-
breasted Grosbeak was added to the list of song birds protected
by the first act of the Connecticut legislature, and probably the
first legislation in New England, for such a purpose. At that
time the bird was scarcely known, but now it appears to be in-
creasing in numbers throughout the state (J. H. S.).
Passerina cyanea (Linnzus). Indigo Bunting.
A common summer resident from May until August.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 8, 1897, 1908, May 3,
1888 (Webb) ; Portland, May 6, 1887, 1894; Litchfield, May 3,
1905 (E. S. W.).
' Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 2, 1895; Portland, Oct. 16,
1893.
Nest. In a shrub or bush, rarely in the woods; 2-3 feet from
-the ground.
Eggs. 3-5; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record, May 30, 1900, three eggs
(J. C. A. M.). Latest record. Aug. 18, 1906, eggs, hatched
Aug. 29 (A. A. S.).
Spotted eggs. Rare. Set of four, June 5, 1890, New Haven
(Hedges, in coll. of L. B. B.); one, June 6, 1883, New Haven
(Robbins and L. B. B.).
A female with the crown, rump, and upper tail feathers blue,
and many blue feathers in other parts of the plumage, especially
on the throat and breast, and the abdomen white, was collected
by H. W. F. near New Haven, May 26, 1892.
Heard singing as late as July 27 (1903) and July 22 (1904)
(L. B. B.).
Spiza americana (Gmelin). Dickcissel.
Formerly an abundant summer resident, but none have been
taken in Connecticut in many years.
Up to 1840 this species was very abundant near New Haven;
in fact it was almost as common as the English Sparrow is to-day,
according to Professor Silliman of Yale, who thus reported it to
Professor Verrill. A male and female of this species are in the
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 137
Peabody Museum, these specimens having come from the Yale
Natural History Society, in a collection of mounted birds, some
of which were collected by Linsley at Stratford, and the others
probably near New Haven.
Hoyt records a specimen being seen near Stamford in the
summer of 1904 by Miss Fessenden; but the possibility of mis-
taking a male English Sparrow for the Dickcissel has been more
than once proved by experienced ornithologists.
Family TANGARIDZ. Tanagers.
Piranga ludoviciana (Wilson). Western Tanager.
A young male of this species was collected by H. W. Flint
on Fair Haven Heights, in New Haven, Dec. 15, 1892. “It is
not an escaped bird, as the feet and plumage clearly indicate.’’!
Piranga erythromelas Vieillot. Scarlet Tanager.
A common summer resident from May until September.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 1, 1907; Portland, May
3, 1908.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 10, 1901; Portland, Oct.
9, 1891.
Nest. In a tree in orchard or woodland, 5-20 feet from the
ground,
Eggs. 3-5; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 28, 1898, four eggs
(L. B. B.). Latest record. Aug. 10, 1909, three eggs (M. T.
Smith)...
Unusual eggs. Occasionally the eggs are very faintly and
finely spotted, altogether lacking the usual bold markings; e. g.,
June 5, 1888, New Haven, set of four (Parsons) ; May 28, 1808,
set of four (L. B.-B.); June 2, 1903, Chester, one (Canfield) ;
May 29, 1898, near New London, set of five (J. H. H.).
Variations in plumage of the males in the spring are many
and interesting; e. g., one with the prevailing color of the
plumage except the wings and tail coral-red, taken by A. H. V.
and L. B. B., May 17, 1894; another with the prevailing color
rufous, taken by L. B. B., July 9, 1904; others show patches of
cadmium-yellow, or have occasionally the lesser coverts and
1Auk, x, 1, p. 86; also O. and O., xvii, 12, p, 187.
138 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT, HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
bases of the greater coverts chrome-yellow or vermilion, or even
more rarely the greater coverts tipped with vermilion.
Adult males occasionally complete the fall moult before leaving
for the south, specimens in full winter dress having been col-
lected by L. B. B. the last of September.
Piranga rubra rubra (Linnzus). Summer Tanager.
Very rare summer visitant.
Connecticut records. Linsley recorded it from Stratford and
New Haven. Merriam! noted that Shores killed one at Suffield,
July 21, 1876; May 23, 1882, Whitneyville, female collected (L.
C. S. in company with L. B. B.); April 8, 1886, New Haven,
male taken (Hooker, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; April 28, 1893, Port-
land, a male which had died of exposure taken (Hurlburt, speci-
men examined by J. H. S.) ;? April 27, 1895, Old Saybrook, male
taken (J. N. C.).8
Family HIRUNDINID Swallows.
Progne subis subis (Linnzus). Purple Martin.
Formerly an abundant summer resident from May until July;
now rapidly decreasing throughout the state.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 20, 1889; Portland, April
4, 1903.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 2, 1885; Portland, Sept.
19, 1892.
Nest. Breeds in small colonies in martin-houses, though it
has also been noted nesting in a hollow fence rail.‘
Eggs. 4-6; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 21, 1880, four eggs.'
Latest record. June 19, 18098, six eggs (Hill).
Formerly Purple Martins bred commonly around New Haven
and even in the center of the city; but their numbers decreased
in the eighties with the multiplication of the English Sparrows,
so that they are now seldom seen there except as a rare migrant.
In fact the last record in the breeding season for New Haven
1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 27.
4 Auk, X, 3, D. 303.
8 Auk, xii, 3, p. 306.
40. and O., v, 6, p. 47.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 139
by L. B. B. is June 17, 1893, and he has seen none at any season
there since 1905.
In Guilford Martins were abundant much later, but their num-
bers have markedly decreased, and now most of the martin-boxes
are untenanted except by English Sparrows. Only one small
colony there and another in Madison were found by L. B. B. in
the summer of 1904. Hoyt reports that there was in 1905 at
least one colony still breeding in Stamford. Colonies in Middle-
town and Portland were breeding in 1912. These birds should
be encouraged by erecting boxes for them, care being taken to
protect them from the English Sparrow, their worst enemy.
Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons (Say). Cliff Swallow.
A locally common summer resident from May until August;
over most of the state only a tolerably common spring and fall
migrant; decreasing, but not as rapidly as the Purple Martin.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 3, 1882, April 15, 1877
(Osborne) ,? April 21, 1906 (E. S. W.) ; Portland, May 19, 1905;
Litchfield, April 30, 1905 (E. S. W.).
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 18, 1895; Sept. 30, 1907
(A. A. S.); Portland, Sept. 14, 1877.
Nest. Breeds in colonies under the eaves of barns and out-
buildings.
Eggs. 3-5; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 30, 1898, five eggs
(Hill). Latest record. June 13, 1882, four eggs (L. B. B.).
Unusual eggs. In a set of five eggs collected in Meriden,
May 31, 1885 (L. B. B.), one egg is pure white with a few
purplish brown specks at the larger end, another pale cream-buff,
heavily blotched with dull heliotrope-purple and mummy-brown at
the base, while the other three are normal.
Albino. Aug. 22, 1902, Gaylordsville, one seen (Austin).
Hirundo erythrogastra Boddaert. Barn Swallow.
An abundant summer resident from May until August.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 13, 1887, April 7, 1888
(Webb) ; Portland, April 6, 1889.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 21, 1903, Oct. 29, 1888
(L. B. W.); Portland, Oct. 19, 1891.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p, 30.
140 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT, HIST. SURVEY. [ Bull.
Nest. On a beam or against a rafter in a barn or shed, or
more rarely under the eaves.
Eggs. 4-7; last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest reéord. May 15, 1894, one egg (L.
B. B.). Latest record. Sept. 3, 1892, five eggs slightly incubated
(Dickerman of Danbury).
A set of seven eggs was collected by L. B. B. in New Haven,
May 24, 1893.
Iridoprocne bicolor (Vieillot). Tree Swallow.
An abundant spring, summer, and fall migrant in April and
May, and from July to October; a rare summer resident, but
more common in Litchfield county; still rarer winter resident.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 25,
1893; Portland, March 27, 1899. Latest record. New Haven,
May 27, 1902; Portland, May 17, Igor.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, July 8, 1904;
Portland, July 14, 1886. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 21,
1900; Portland, Nov. 1, 1910.
Winter records. Winter, 1901-2, several spent the winter at
Saybrook (J. N. C.), where about a dozen were seen Jan. 31,
and 20 or 30 more by L. B. B., March 18, besides a probable
straggler from that flock in Guilford, March 24. The stomachs
of three collected were full of bayberries upon which they had
lived during the winter.
Nest. Usually in a hollow tree in an old woodpecker’s nest,
10-15 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 4-6; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 24, 1884, four eggs (J.
H. S.). Latest record. June 20, 1898, five eggs (Hill). .
In the spring there appear to be two flights, one chiefly of
adult males early in April, the other largely of females about the
middle of May. This swallow is the earliest migrant to return
from the north, as many as 500 having been seen near New Haven
as early as July 14 (1904) by L. B. B., and the last swallow to
stay with us in the fall, several hundred having been seen by him
on Oct. 6, 1903, and about a thousand on Oct. 24, 1898, and
Oct. 13, 1905, which had been spending the nights in the rushes
on the Quinnipiac marshes.
10. and O., xvii, 11, p. 172.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. I4I
Riparia riparia (Linnzus). Bank Swallow.
A summer resident from May until August, abundant locally
where suitable banks occur along the larger rivers, but absent
through much of the state except as a migrant.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 25, 1888; Portland,
April 17, 1882.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 11, 1902, Sept. 23, 1906
(A. A. S.); Portland, Sept. 25, 1891.
Nest. In a narrow burrow several feet deep, excavated by
the birds in a sand bank, usually on the bank of a river; generally
composed largely of feathers.
Eggs. 2-6; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 17, 1872, one egg, May
ai, four eggs (J. H. S.); May 22, 1904, six eggs (J. C. A. M.).
Latest record. June 14, 1893, three eggs (J. C. A. M.).
Unusual set. June 17, 1905, Litchfield, two incubated eggs
(E. S. W.).
Stelgidopteryx serripennis (Audubon). Rough-winged
Swallow.
A tolerably common summer resident of the southern border
of the state from May until August; much rarer in the interior.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 1, 1897, April 30, 1907
(A. A. S.).
Latest record. New Haven, Aug. 13, 1903.
Unusual record. March 3, 1888, Stamford (Hoyt, in coll. of
L. B. B.).
Nest. Located in a burrow in a sand bank, usually excavated
by the birds themselves, wide enough to admit a man’s arm, and
somewhat broader than high, and from 3 to 5 feet long. Nest
large and bulky and usually composed of sticks, weed stalks, grass,
and leaves. Nests have also been found in empty pipes (A. A.
S. and Case), in an old Kingfisher’s nest (E. S. W. and J. C.
A. M.), in a crevice of the arch of a stone bridge (Porter, May
26, 1894), and in the drain-pipe of a bridge (Beers, May 30,
1904).
Eggs. 5-7; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 22, 1904, seven eggs
(J. C. A. M.). Latest record. June 24, 1900, five eggs (Hill).
1 OGlogist, xxii, 7, p. 108.
142 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT, HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
The bank selected for the nest is usually a small one, often in
the woods or at the roadside, seldom near the water. Usually only
one pair, and very rarely more than two, are found breeding at
one place, but a colony of at least ten birds was found in New
Haven, June 24, 1907 (A. A. S.). As a rule these swallows nest
alone, though one pair was found breeding in a colony of Bank
Swallows (J. C. A. M., 1904).
This Swallow has been seen in New Milford (E. H. Austin)
and in Kent (H. K. J.).1. A female, and three young just be-
ginning to fly, seen at Portland, July 13, 1888, by J. H. S.
Family BOMBYCILLIDA. Waxwings.
Bombycilla garrula (Linnzeus). Bohemian Waxwing.
Connecticut records. Feb. 11, 1875, New Haven, one seen (?)
(Smith) ;? Merriam further records? that Dr. Wood of East
Windsor Hill shot one by accident while shooting into a flock of
Cedar Birds (specimen now in Atheneum collection, Hartford) ;
fall, 1899, Torrington, one shot from a flock of Cedar Birds (in
possession of Hochstein).*
Bombycilla cedrorum Vieillot. Cedar Waxwing.
A tolerably common summer resident and irregular winter
resident, often abundant in the migrations from March to May,
and from September to November.
Earliest record. New Haven, March 2, 1904; Portland,
March 7, 1878.
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 22, 1900; Portland, Oct.
9, 1892.
Winter records. New Haven, Dec., 1881, Jan., Feb., Dec.,
1882, Jan., 1900, 1902; Portland, Jan., 1884, Dec., 1885, Jan.,
1886, Feb., 1887, 1893, 1895.
Nest. Most frequently in an apple or cedar growing in open
country at from 10 to 15 feet from the ground; made of dead
twigs, which the bird has once been seen to break off from the
lower limbs of a tree.
Eggs. 4-5; late in June.
1Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 305.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 32.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 143
Nesting dates. Earliest record. June 11, 1881, one egg (L.
B. B.); June 15, 1884, five eggs (Eames). Latest record. Aug.
23, 1874, four eggs (J. H. S.). Thirteen nests of this bird were
found in one thicket of young maples at West Haven in August
and September, 1906, and four other nests were discovered there
after the leaves had fallen (A. A. S.).
A few of the rectrices are occasionally tipped with red in
both sexes, and more rarely in the male many of the primaries;
while the red tips of the secondaries are not unusual in juvenal
plumage.
Family LANIID. Shrikes.
Lanius borealis Vieillot. Northern Shrike.
A winter resident from November to March; probably occur-
ring regularly, but seldom in large numbers, and not nearly as
common at present as twenty years ago.
Earliest record. New Haven, Nov. 6, 1901; Portland, Oct.
26, 1888.
Latest record. New Haven, March 31, 1906, April 17, 1907
(A. A. S. and Pangburn), April 18, 1885 (F. W. Wentworth) ;
Portland, April 4, 1873.
In March, before going north, the males occasionally mount
to the top of some tree standing in rather open country, and
warble in a harsh voice a song somewhat like that of a Bluebird.
This singing has been watched by L. B. B. on March 28, 1883,
and March 15, 1894, some of the notes on the latter occasion
resembling those of the Chickadee.
Lanius ludovicianus migrans W. Palmer. Migrant Shrike.
A rare and irregular, fall migrant and winter resident from
August until February, occurring chiefly near the salt marshes
along the coast.
Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 18, 1903; Portland, Sept.
20, 1899.
Latest record. New Haven, Feb. 15, 1902; Portland, April
II, 1900.
Breeding record. Latter part of } May, about 1893, Winchester,
nest with five eggs found in an apple orchard (Williams, recorded
by H. K. J.)2
1Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 306.
144 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT, HIST, SURVEY. [Bull.
Connecticut records. Nov., 1876, Portland, one taken (Goff,
in coll. of W. W. C.); Aug. 22-4, 1882, Guilford, seen (L. B.
B.); Jan. 30, 1883, Branford, male taken (Nichols, in coll. of
L. B. B.); late Aug., 1880, one seen, and late Aug., 1885, two
seen together, one shot, Bridgeport (Averill) ;t July, 1886, New
Haven, male taken (H. W. F.); Aug. 15, 1888, North Haven,
male taken (A. H. V., in coll. of Porter) ; Aug. 29, 1888, Bridge-
port, young female (Averill, in Bpt. Sci. Soc.); Aug., 1892,
New Haven (L. C. S., in coll. of L. B. B.); Sept. 18, 1895,
North Haven, young female (L. B. B.); Sept. 20, Dec. 7, 1899,
Portland, male (in coll. of J. H. S.); April 11, 1900, Portland,
female (in coll. of J. H. S.); Feb. 25, 1901, Stamford, male
(Hoyt) ; Sept. 18, 1901, Saybrook, one seen (J. N. C.); Jan. 15,
1902, Portland, female (J. H. S.); Jan. 20, 1902, North Haven,
adult male (Ludington, in coll. of L. B. B.); Feb. 15, 1902, New
Haven, female (L. B. B.); Oct. 2, 1902, Hamden, female (L.
B. B.); Aug. 18, 1903, Branford, seen (L. B. B.) ; Oct. 6, 1903,
North Haven, seen (L. B. B.); Nov. 6, 1903, Orange, female
(Sherman, in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Sept. 16, 1904, Stratford, young
male (Beers and Perry) ; Oct. 25, 1904, Middletown, female (in
coll. of J. H. S.); Feb. 17, 1905, South Norwalk (Smith, recorded
by J. A. Allen)?
Family VIREONID. Vireos.
Vireosylva olivacea (Linnzus). Red-eyed Vireo.
An abundant summer resident of the woodland from the mid-
dle of May until September.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 4, 1882, May 2, 1906 (A.
A. S.); Portland, April 26, 1896.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. Io, 1901, Oct. 12, 1906 (A.
A. S.); Portland, Oct. 8, 1890; Hartford, Oct. 25, 19002
Nest. Usually in a small tree or bush in dark woodland, 3
to 20 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 3 or 4; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 25, 1906, one egg,
May 28, four eggs (J. H. S.); May 28, 1889, four eggs (C. F.
1 Auk, vi. 1, Pp. 74.
2 Auk, xxii, 2, p. 211.
8 Bird-Lore, xi, 2, p. 81.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 145
Hedges). Latest record. Aug. 4, 1882, two eggs and two Cow-
birds’ eggs (L. B. B.).
This species is especially persecuted by the Cowbird; and, of
19 nests with 3 or more eggs recorded by L. B. B., 11 contained
eggs of this parasite.
It sings constantly its monotonous ditty through the summer
months, and has been heard repeating it by L. B. B. as late as
Sept. 8 (1902) and Sept. 14 (1903).
Vireosylva philadelphica Cassin. Philadelphia Vireo.
A very rare spring and fall migrant.
Spring records. May 19, 1888, near New Haven, male taken
(A. H. V.) ;? May 18, 1900, Westville, male taken (L. B. B.);
May 17, 1905, Litchfield, female taken (E. S. W.).
Fall records. Sept. 21, 1893, Gildersleeve Island, Portland,
‘male taken (S. R., in coll. of J. H. S.); Sept. 17, 1894, same
locality, female taken (S. R., in coll. of J. H. S.); Oct. 4, 1899,
Litchfield, female taken (E. S. W.) ; Sept. 14, 1905, East Haven,
male taken (L. B. B.) ; Sept. 21, 1905, New Haven, female taken
(L. B. B.).
Vireosylva gilva gilva (Vieillot). Warbling Vireo.
A common summer resident of the shade trees of the villages
and cities, from May until September; but rare elsewhere in the
state.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 2, 1899; Portland, April
26, 1908; Jewett City, April 20, 1898?
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 14, 1903, Sept. 19, 1906
(A. A. S.); Portland, Sept. 17, 1895; Litchfield, Oct. 1, 1890
(L. B. W.).
Nest. High in an elm or maple; occasionally in an apple tree.
Eggs. Usually 4; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 26, 1895, four eggs
(H. R. Buck). Latest record. June 14, 1876, four eggs
(J. H. S.). .
This bird has been heard singing as late as Sept. 12 (1885)
and Sept. 14 (1903) (L. B. B.).
10. and O., xiii, 7, p. 103.
2 Bird-Lore, xi, 2, p. 79+
10
146 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST, SURVEY. {Bull.
Lanivireo flavifrons (Vieillot). Yellow-throated Vireo.
A tolerably common summer resident of the orchards, shade
trees, and more open woodland, from May until August.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 27, 1886; Portland, April
26, 1889.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 20, 1900, Oct. 12, 1906
(A. A. S.); Portland, Sept. 21, 1893.
Nest. In tall tree, 12 to 35 feet from the ground.
Eggs. Usually 4; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. June 6, 1900, three eggs and
one Cowbird’s egg (L. B. B.). Latest record. June 17, 1893, four
eggs (H. W. F. and L. B. B.); July 10, 1894, one young and
one spoiled egg (L. B. B.).
J. H. S. notes that this species and Vireosylva gilva gilva
usually migrate together.
Lanivireo solitarius solitarius (Wilson). Blue-headed
Vireo; Solitary Vireo.
A common fall and much rarer spring migrant in early May
and October; very rare summer resident.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 3,
1909, April 20, 1892 (Hedges) ; Portland, April 18, 1908, Litch-.
field, April 25, 1905 (E. S. W.). Latest record. New Haven,
May 8, 1907, May 12, 1891 (H. W. F.) ; Portland, May 9, 1882;
Litchfield, May 26, 1905 (E. S. W.).
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 22, 1896;
Portland, Sept. 28, 1899; Litchfield, Sept. 18, 1891 (L. B. W.).
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 18, 1888, Oct. 23, 1906 (A. A.
S.) ; Portland, Oct. 19, 1892.
Nest. In young tree or bush, from 5 to Io feet from the
ground.
Eggs. Usually 4; late in May and early in June.
Nesting records. Eastford, May 31, 1880, four young; June
6, 1885, two eggs and one Cowbird’s egg; May 14, 1886, build-
ing, May 27, four eggs; May 27, 28, 1886, nests; June 10, 1886,
nest, birds hatched and flown away (C. M. Jones).1 Nor-
folk, June 23, 1893, four fresh eggs (W. E. T., in coll. of J. H.
10. and O., xii, 2, p. 26.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 147
S.). Bethel, June 9, 1895, nest with four eggs (Hamlin).
Millington, May 30, 1899, nest with four eggs (J. H. S.). West
Simsbury, June 8, 1894, nest with four eggs (Case).1 Litchfield,
late in June, 1907, male in full song (H. K. J. and E. S. W.)?
shot, July 1, 1907 (E. S. W.)
Vireo griseus griseus (Boddaert). White-eyed Vireo.
A common summer resident in the southern part of the state
from May until August; rarely breeds in Litchfield County.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 30, 1885; Portland, May
4, 1892.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 14, 1886; Sept. 20, 1906,
1g07 (A. A. S.); Portland, Sept. 15, 1877.
Sept. 29, 1890, May 25, 1897, May 17, 1905, and July 12,
1906, are the only records from Litchfield (L. B. W. and E. S.
W.); Lake Waramaug, June 10, 1900, one seen (L. B. B.).
Nest. Usually in a dense bush or thicket, from 114 to 2%4
feet from the ground.
Eggs. Commonly 4; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 26, 1887, four eggs
(H. W. F.). Latest record.. June 21, 1888, four eggs (H. W.
F.) ; July 2, 1907, half-grown young (A. A. S.).
A set of unspotted eggs has been found near Bridgeport by
J. C. A. M., and a single similar egg in a nest containing young
at New Haven by L. B. B.
This bird has been heard singing its ludicrous song as late
as Aug. 15 (1904) by L. B. B.
Family MNIOTILTID. Wood Warblers.
Mniotilta varia (Linnzus). Black and White Warbler.
A common summer resident from early May until September ;
most abundant during the migrations in May and September.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 26, 1900, 1906, 1909,
April 20, 1907 (Kedzie) ; Portland, April 23, 1909.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 4, 1901, Oct. 7, 1907 (A.
A. S.); Portland, Oct. 6, 1892.
1 Auk, xiii, 4, Pp. 343.
2 Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 306.
148 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Nest. On the ground in woods with considerable under-
growth, though occasionally in the grass of an open field.
Eggs. 4-5; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 20, 1895, five eggs
(H. W. F.). Latest record. June 13, 1896, four eggs (J. H.S.);
June 16, 1884, four young and one Cowbird (Prior).
This warbler has been heard singing as late as July 22 (1904)
by L. B. B.
Protonotaria citrea (Boddaert). Prothonotary Warbler.
The only records of this warbler for the state are, New
Haven, Nov. 27, 1911, a young female found dead (W. F.
Smith)? and Glastonbury, May 14, 1910, one seen plainly
(L. W. Ripley).
Helmitheros vermivorus (Gmelin). Worm-eating Warbler.
A tolerably common summer resident along the coast; occur-
ring rarely in the interior as far north as Kent and Portland;
from the middle of May until early in August.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 6, 1904, May 3, 1892 (H.
W. F.); Portland, May 6, 1896.
Latest record. New Haven, Aug. 22, 1903; Portland, June
18, 1896; Seymour, Sept. 30, 1888 (Eames).
Nest. On the ground among dead leaves under some small
plant on a hillside in the woods.
Eggs. 3-6; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 20, 1891, five eggs
(Watrous). Latest record. June 19, 1890, five eggs (H. W. F.).
Occurrence. This species was reported as “rare” by Mer-
riam’ in New Haven, but since then (1877) has become tolerably
common east of the city, though still rare to the west. It has
been taken also at East Haven (H. W. F.), Pine Orchard (L.
B. B.), Saybrook (J. N. C.), New London (Hill), Stamford
(Porter), Bridgeport (Eames) ; inland, at Portland (J. H. S.),
Seymour (Eames), Bethel (Judd), Danbury (J. C. A. M.), Kent
(H. K. J.),* Suffield (Shores) ?
1 0. and O., ix, 9, p. 109.
2 Bird-Lore, xiv, 2, p. 109.
3 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 12.
4 Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 306.
No. 20. | THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 149
Vermivora pinus (Linnzus). Blue-winged Warbler.
An abundant summer resident of southern Connecticut from
early May until August, outnumbering any other warbler with
the possible exception of the Oven-bird; rarer farther north,
though breeding at Portland and at Lake Waramaug in Litch-
field County.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 2, 1899, April 30, 1908
(C. H. P.); Portland, May 2, 1902.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 16, 1904; Portland, Aug.
27, 1910.
Nest. Usually at the base of some small plant, often a golden-
rod, where woods and meadow join, but also frequently in a
small glade in the woods or smaller opening in brush land.
Eggs. 4-6; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 20, 18096, five eggs
(H. W. F.). Latest record. June 16, 1899, four eggs
(J. C. A. M.).
Occurrence. From Bridgeport to New Haven the Blue-
winged Warbler is a very abundant summer resident, Dr. Eames
having seen at Bridgeport fully sixty males in song on May 9,
1889; but east of Branford it becomes rare, and has been seldom
noticed by L. B. B. at Stony Creek or Guilford. At the mouth
of the Connecticut they are again abundant. In the interior of
the state they are likewise rather rare except in the spring migra-
tion, J. H. S. having noted its occurrence only once after June
13 (Aug. 27, 1910), and having observed only three nests;
and E. S. W. having noted it only four times in Litchfield. At
Danbury a male was taken April 27, 1908 (J. C. A. M.); and
it has been seen in Kent in August, 1907 (G. E. Hix), at Lake
Waramaug, June 10, 1900, and in Washington, May 30, 1907
(L. B. B.).
This species was found interbreeding with V. chrysoptera,
at Portland, June 13, 1889,1 and a male said to be mate of a
female V. chrysoptera was taken with it in Woodbridge, May
23, 1898 (A. H. V., in coll. of L. B. B.).
Males showing an approach to V. lawrencei in having much
black on lores and auriculars or one or two black feathers on
1Auk, vi, 3, p. 279.
150 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT, HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
throat have been taken at New Haven on May 23, 1902, June 5,
1905,,May 24, 1907, and May 18, 1908 (L. B. B.).
Vermivora chrysoptera (Linneus.) Golden-winged War-
bler.
A rare summer resident in most parts of the state, very local
in its distribution; a regular summer resident in small numbers
at Portland.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 11, 1904, 1905, May 7,
1895 (H.W. F.) ; Portland, May 3, 1896; Litchfield, May 7, 1905
(E. S. W.). Average date of arrival at Portland for thirty-three
years, May 14.
Latest record. New Haven, May 12, 1894, May 23, 1808
(A. H. V.); Portland, June 22, 1894; Litchfield, July 12, 1906
(E. S. W.) ; Suffield, July 7, 1876 (Shores) ;} New Haven, Aug.
24, 1912 (L. B. B.).
Occurrence. Bethel, breeding (Stetson, Judd, and Hamlin) ;
Stratford (Eames) ; New Haven (Hedges, H. W. F., A. H. V.,
E. S. W., L. B. B.); Litchfield (E. S. W.); Danbury, breeding
(J. C. A. M.); Kent (Job); Portland, breeding (J. H. S.). It
has not been found at New London by Hill, nor at East Hartford
by W. E. T., nor at Saybrook by J. N. C., though J. H. S. found
one at Saybrook, May 30, 1877.
Nest. On the ground in brush land near a swamp.
Eggs. Usually 4 or 5; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 29, 1895, five eggs
(Hamlin). Latest record. June 21, 1894, four eggs (J. H. S.).
A nest containing five young with the male parent of this
species and the female V. pinus was found at Bethel, June 11,
1905. June 16, the young had left the nest; but one was caught
which had an olive-green back and yellow throat, breast, and
lower parts, showing no black on throat or through eye (J. C.
A.M. and R. C. Judd).
Vermivora rubricapilla rubricapilla (Wilson). Nashville
Warbler.
A common spring and fall migrant in May and September ;
breeds in small numbers throughout the state, but more frequently
in the northern part.
1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 14.
No. 20. | THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. ISI
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 30,
1908 ; Portland, May 3, 1899. Latest record. New Haven, May
23, 1898, May 31, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May 30, 1894, 1905.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 14, 1905;
Portland, Sept. 27, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 9,
1907; Portland, Sept. 27, 1893.
Occurrence. Deep River, two nests (H. W. F.) ; New Haven,
three nests (H. W. F.), one nest (L. B. B.); Bridgeport, one
nest (Beers and Canfield) ; Seymour, breeds somewhat commonly,
five or six pairs breeding regularly each year' (Eames) ; Kent,
one nest (H. K. J.).2. Although common in the spring at Litch-
field (L. B. W. and E. S. W.) and at Portland (J. H. S.), no
nests have been found at the former place and but one at the
latter (June 4, 1889, four young, J. H. S.).
Nest. On the ground, usually just within the edge of the
woods.
Eggs. 4-5; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 30, 1890, five eggs
(H. W. F.). Latest record. June 8, 1888, five eggs (E. H. E.).
Vermivora celata celata (Say). Orange-crowned Warbler.
A rare straggler from the West during the migrations.
Connecticut records. May 8, 1888, East Hartford, male shot,
in company with Nashville Warblers (W. E. T.) ;3 Nov. 11,
1893, Stamford, female (Porter) ; Oct. 1, 1906, New Haven, male
taken (L. B. B.); Oct. 8, 1906, New Haven, young male taken
(E. S. W.) ; Oct. 6, 1911, New Haven, one seen (L. B. B.).
Vermivora peregrina (Wilson). Tennessee Warbler.
A rare spring and fall migrant in May and September.
Spring records. June 8, 1875, Suffield, one shot (Shores) ;4
May 24, 1876 (Osborne), May 26, 1876 (Bragg), New Haven ;*
May, 1876, Deep River (H. W. F.); May 26, 1888, Seymour
(Eames); May 26, 1888, New Haven (H. W. F.); May 24,
1889, Bridgeport (Eames) ; May 20, 1891, New Haven (Webb) ;
May 20, 1892, three, Stamford (Porter); May 23, 1892, East
1 Auk, x, 1, p. 90.
2Job, .The Sport of Bird Study, p. 307.
> Auk, v, 3, P. 323.
4 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 14.
152 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Hartford (W. E. T.); spring, 1894, New Haven (W. C. Mor-
gan) ; May 17, 1899, Portland (S. R.); May 16, 1900, Portland
(J.H.S.) ; May 19-27, 1905, Litchfield, tolerably common, several
being secured (E. S. W.) ; June 3, 1907, Kent (H. K. J.) } May
15-17, 1909, Portland (J. H. S.); May 23, 1910, Portland
(J. H. S.). :
Fall records. Sept. 24, 1887, New Haven (H. W. F.); Sept.
15, 1892, 1896, Litchfield (E. S. W.); Oct. 5, 1905, Sept. 8,
Oct. 8, 1906, Oct. 9, 1907, New Haven (L. B. B.).
Compsothlypis americana usnez Brewster. Northern
Parula Warbler.
A common spring and fall migrant in May and September,
breeding wherever it finds trees covered with Usnea.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 20,
1882, April 28, 1888 (L. B. W.), 1902 (A. A. S.); Portland,
May 1, 1882. Latest record. New Haven, May 21, 1900, 1902;
Portland, May 30, 1904.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 1, 1903,
Aug. 19, 1906 (A. A. S.); Portland, Sept. 21, 1893. Latest
record. New Haven, Oct. 14, 1907; Portland, Oct. 18, 1899.
Winter records. Dec. 14,-1877, Deep River (H. W. F.);
Nov. 28, 1901, New Haven, found dead after a severe storm by
Prof. Reynolds (identified by L. C. S.).
Nest. Built in and of the Usnea, generally growing on cedars
in the woods, also in swamp oaks, maples, hornbeams, etc.,.
covered with Usnea; 3 to 20 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 3-8; usually 3 or 4; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 18, 1894, two eggs
(L. B. B.). Latest record. June 29, 1886, four eggs (C. L. R.).
Of 30 nests recorded by C. L. R? between 1881 and 1887, 25 were
found between June 1 and 12. The number of eggs in these 30
nests was as follows: 2 nests with 2 eggs, 7 nests with 3 eggs,
18 nests with 4 eggs, I nest with 5 eggs (May 31, 1887), 1 nest
with 7 eggs (June 12, 1886), and 1 nest with 8 eggs (June 12,
1890) 8
1Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 307.
20. and O., xiii, 1, pp. 1-5.
30. and O., xvi, 4, p. 60.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 153
_ These Usnea-covered trees have decreasd greatly near New
Haven in the past twenty years, and with them have gone the
Parula Warblers as summer residents.
Dendroica tigrina (Gmelin). Cape May Warbler.
A very rare spring and fall migrant.
Connecticut records.. Spring, 1876, Suffield, not uncommon
(Shores) ;} May 13, 1876, Portland, two adult males seen in the
garden, one shot (J. H.S.);May 23, 1882, Lake Whitney, Ham-
den, male taken (L. B. B.); May 4, 1887, East Hartford, male
taken (C. C. H.); Aug. 28, 1889, Bridgeport, one taken (W. H.
Lucas) ;? Sept. 14, 1890, East Hartford, one seen (W. E. T.);
May 13, 1891, East Hartford, male shot (W. E. T.); May 7,
1900, Kent, male taken (H. K. J.) ; spring, 1900, Saybrook, one
taken and another seen (J. N. C.); May 8, 1905, Litchfield, male
secured (E. S. W.); May 10, 1907, New Haven, one seen (A.
A. S.); May 12, 1909, Cromwell, one picked up dead (in coll. of
J. H.S.).
Dendroica xstiva estiva (Gmelin). Yellow Warbler.
A common summer resident from May until August, fre-
quenting the alders and willows along the streams.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 30, 1888, 1894, 1908,
April 29, 1902 (A. A. S.); Portland, April 29, 1881, 1902, 1908.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 25, 1900, Nov. 7, 1907 (A.
A. S.); Portland, Sept. 23, 1893.
Nest. In a bush or sapling in a swampy thicket, or less com-
monly in dry woods. Of 86 nests recorded by J. H. S., 1905-9,
the distribution was as follows: 48 in elder; 7 in willow; 6 in
alder; 2 each in ash, apple, and elm; I each in wild cherry, but-
tonwood, poplar, pear, and clematis; and 4 in small bushes.
Height from ground varied from 3 to 30 feet, usually 3 to 6
feet. Building, May 12 to June 15; average, May 15-25.
Eggs. 3-5; last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 22, 1899, four eggs
(J. H. H.). Latest record. June 30, 1895, three eggs (J. C.
A. M.).
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 17.
20. and O., xiv, 10, p. 160.
154 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Double nests. Nests with a double bottom built over an in-
truding Cowbird’s egg, found June 30, 1895, and May 27, 1900
(J. C. A. M.); June, 1893 or 1894 (Porter); June 2, 1898
(L. B. B.).
Dendroica czrulescens czrulescens (Gmelin). Black-
throated Blue Warbler.
A common spring and autumn migrant in May and September;
breeds tolerably commonly in Litchfield County at least as far
south as Warren.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 5, 1894,
April 30, 1908 (C. H. Pangburn) ; Portland, May 4, 1896; Hart-
ford, April 29, 1891.1 Latest record. New Haven, May 28, 1907,
May 29, 1907 (A. A. S.); Portland, May 26, 1894.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 11, 1902,
1903; Portland, Sept. 23, 1893. Latest record. New Haven,
Oct. 11, 1906, Oct. 17, 1888 (H. W. F.); Portland, Oct. 9, 1883.
Nest. Just off the ground in thicket, usually of Kalmia; in
woods.
Eggs. 3-5; early in June.
Breeding records. June 8, 13, 1874, two nests, and June 7,
1881, four eggs, Eastford (C. M. Jones) ;? June 8, 1900, Kent,
nest with four eggs, female secured (L. B. B.); June 7, 1905,
nest with five eggs, June 10, 1905, three eggs, Litchfield
(E. S. W.). ;
The authors found this species tolerably common in Salisbury
between June 16 and 20, 1904, frequenting wooded hillsides, over-
grown with Kalmia.
Dendroica coronata (Linneus). Myrtle Warbler.
A common spring and fall migrant in April, October, and
November; a tolerably regular winter resident, especially near
the coast.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 15,
1894; Portland, March 11, 1882. Latest record. New Haven,
May 18, 1884, May 21, 1905 (A. A. S.); Portland, May 22, 1905;
Litchfield, May 24, 1905 (E. S. W.).
1 Bird-Lore, viii, 6, p. 203.
2 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 15. O. and O., vi, 7, PP. 49-50.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 155
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 21, 1903;
Portland, Sept. 21, 1892, 1893; Litchfield, Sept. 14, 1905 (E. S.
W.). Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 25, 1903; Portland,
Nov. 1, 1890.
Winter records. New Haven or Guilford, Jan. 5, Feb. 8, 22,
Dec. 12, 28, 1882, Jan. 1, 1883, Feb. 17 (?), 1886, Jan. 2, 1894,
Jan. 22, 1896, Jan. 17, Feb. 11, 1898, Jan. 16, 1899, Jan. 24,
Dec. 12, 1900, Jan. 15, 1902, Dec. 18, 1903, Feb. 27, 1904, Jan.
24, 1906 (L. B. B.); Portland, Dec. 15, 1882, Jan. 22, 1884,
Dec. 29, 1892, Feb. 8, 1896, Feb. 23, 1903 (J. H. S.). Other
records: Jan. 1, 1883, Portland (C. H. N.) ;* Jan. 29, 1905, New
Haven (Stetson).
Dendroica magnolia (Wilson). Magnolia Warbler.
A common spring, and somewhat less common fall, migrant,
in May and September; may breed in Litchfield County.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 7,
1888, May 3, 1886 (Webb); Portland, May 6, 1896. Latest
record. New Haven, May 26, 1882, 1894, May 29, 1907 (A.
A. S.); Portland, May 29, 1907, 1909; Litchfield, June 8, 1891
(E. S. W.); Salisbury, early in July, 1906 (?) (H. K. J.).
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 14, 1903;
Portland, Sept. 21, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 4,
1901; Portland, Sept. 28, 1892.
Partial albino. May 17, 1888, Seymour, a male with the
entire top of the head, hind neck, and a broad eye ring white
(Eames, in coll. of Beers).
’
Dendroica cerulea (Wilson). Cerulean Warbler.
A straggler to the southern border of the state; possibly a
very rare summer resident.
Connecticut records: April, 1841, Stratford (Linsley) ;? June
12, 1875, Suffield, male taken (Shores) ;? May 10, 1888, Seymour,
a female taken in a flock of Parulas (Eames) ;* May 12, 1900,
Bridgeport, male taken (Beers, the two latter being in the collec-
tion of Beers).
10. and O., viii, 4, p. 32.
2 Merriam, Birds of Conn., pp. 15-16.
8 Bull, Nuttall Ornith. Club, ii, 1, p. 21; recorded also by Merriam as above.
‘Auk, vy 4) PD. 431-2.
156 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. {Bull.
Dendroica pensylvanica (Linnzus). Chestnut-sided
Warbler.
A common summer resident from May until August; breed-
ing more abundantly in the northern part of the state.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 2, 1899; April 30, 1908
(C. H. P.); Portland, April 28, 1908.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 14, 1895, Sept. 24, 1887
(H. W. F.); Portland, Sept. 5, 1892.
Nest. In a small bush, usually in a brush lot, occasionally
in the woods; 1-4 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 2-4; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 23, 1896, four eggs
(H. W. B.). Latest record. June 24, 1895, three eggs and one
Cowbird’s egg (Hamlin); July 22, 1904, young just out of the
nest (L. B. B.).
This species has been found occupying a deserted Red-eyed
Vireo’s nest, the only part it had constructed being the lining of
hair (Hamlin, June 22, 1895). A nest containing four eggs, and
one of the Cowbird half buried in the bottom, was found, May
31, 1899 (J. C. A. M.).
Heard singing as late as July 10 (1888), by Eames.
A male taken in Litchfield, Aug. 17, 1892, by E. S. W. has
a very slender bill, the maxilla being .5 inch long, and the
mandible slightly shorter with a scoop-shaped tip.
Dendroica castanea (Wilson). Bay-breasted Warbler.
Usually a rare spring migrant and still rarer in the fall; occa-
sionally common for a few days in May.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May to,
1900; Portland, May 12, 1905. Latest record. New Haven, June
6, 1882; Portland, May 26, 1882.
Fall records. Sept. 30, Oct. 17, 1876 (Osborne) ;! Sept. 25,
1890, Sept. 18, 1893, Portland (J. H. S.) ; Sept. 16, Oct. 5, 1887,
East Hartford (W. E. T.); Sept. 26, 1893, Stamford (Porter) ;
Sept. 6, 13, 1905, Litchfield (E. S. W.); Sept. 27, 1911, New
Haven (L. B. B.).
Spring occurrence. New Haven, 1882 (common), 1884, 1886
(Webb), 1892 (Flint), 1900 (common), 1902, 1905, 1906, 1907
1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 16.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 157
(A. A. S.), 1909; Stamford, 1888 (L. B. B.), 1902, 1905 (Por-
ter) ; Seymour, 1888 (Eames) ; Bridgeport, 1892 (Eames) ; Mil-
ford, 1893 (Eames); Portland, 1874, 1875, 1876, 1882, 1892,
1896, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1902, 1905, 1907, 1908, 1909. J. N. C.
wrote in 1900 that in all his collecting he had only seen or taken
two Bay-breasted Warblers at Saybrook. .
Dendroica striata (J. R. Forster). Black-poll Warbler.
An abundant spring and fall migrant in the last of May and
in September and October; their presence in the spring usually
indicating the close of the warbler migration.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 13,
1904, April 29, 1908 (Pangburn) ; Portland, May 8, 1880. Latest
record. New Haven, June 9, 1907, June 16, 1907 (A. A. S. and
Barnum) ; Portland, June 17, 1907.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 8, 1902;
Portland, Sept. 14, 1908; East Hartford, Sept. 1, 1887, 1890
(W. E. T.); Litchfield, Sept. 7, 1905 (H. Sanford). Latest
record. New Haven, Oct. 25, 1906; Portland, Oct. 25, 1887.
Oct. 30, 1906, New Haven, a pensioner was taken by L. B. B.
Dendroica fusca (Miller). Blackburnian Warbler.
A tolerably common spring and much rarer fall migrant in
May and September; a few spending the summer in the pine
groves of the northern part of Litchfield County, and doubtless
breeding there.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 4,
1900, April 29, 1911 (A. W. H.); April 30, 1908 (Pangburn) ;
Portland, May 6, 1891, 1896. Latest record. New Haven, May
26, 1900; May 30, 1907 (Moore); Portland, May 30, 1882.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 13, 1905;
Portland, Sept. 5, 1892; Stamford, Aug. 30, Sept. 4, 1893 (Por-
ter) ; Litchfield, Aug. 29, 1892 (E. S. W.). Latest record. New
Haven, Oct. 2, 1888 (H. W. F.) ; Portland, Sept. 28, 1875 ; Litch-
field, Sept. 13, 1905 (E. S. W.).
Summer records. July, 1873, Lyme, a female taken (J. G.
Ely) ;* June 25, 1879, Cornwall, male and female taken (Wool-
sey, in Peabody Museum); June 19, 20, 1904, Salisbury, two
1 Merriam; Birds of Conn., p. 16.
158 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
_breeding males taken (J. H. S. and L. B. B.); June 16, 21, 24,
29, 1905, Litchfield (E. S. W.).
Dendroica virens (Gmelin). Black-throated Green War-
bler.
A common summer resident of the hemlock groves through-
out the state from May until October; most abundant during the
migration in May and September.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 21, 1886; Portland, April
27, 1886.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 20, 1908; Nov. 7, 1907 (A.
A.S.); Portland, Oct. 21, 1890.
Nest. On the horizontal limb of a hemlock, less frequently
in a birch or cedar; 3 to 30 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 4-5; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 21, 1890, four eggs
(H. W. F.). Latest record. June 20, 1894, four eggs (J. H. S.).
Dendroica vigorsi (Audubon). Pine Warbler.
A rather rare migrant, chiefly in April, and still rarer summer
resident.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 10,
1890, March 30, 1907 (A. A. S.); Portland, April 2, 1882, Sey-
mour, April 3, 1885 (Eames). Latest record. New Haven, May
3, 1882, May 12, 1880 (Woolsey); Portland, April 28, 1901.
Fall records. East Hartford, Sept. 26, Oct. 5, 1885, Sept. 9,
Oct. 5, 1887 (W. E. T.); Portland, Sept. 21, Oct. 5, 1892; New
Haven, Oct. to, 1893 (L. B. B.), Oct. 4, 1906 (E. S. W.), Oct.
8-23, 1906 (?) (A. A. S.) ; Litchfield, Oct. 8, 1905 (H. Sanford,
by E. S. W.).
Breeding records. July 4, 1893, East Haven, nest with young
in a pine about 20 feet from the ground (H. W. F.); May 24,
1906, Windsor, a few evidently breeding (E. S. W.); June 1,
1909, East Haven, nest with three eggs in pitch pine (L. B. B.).
Dendroica palmarum palmarum (Gmelin). Palm Warbler.
A rare but probably regular fall migrant, the latter part of
September.
Fall records. New Haven, Sept. 18, 1878, male taken (Wool-
sey, in Peabody Museum), Oct. 7, 1905, two (E. S. W.), Sept.
24, 1895, male, Oct. 1, 1895, male, Sept. 19, 1903, female, Sept.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 159
26, 1905, two, Oct. 5, 1905, one female, Oct. 9, 1906, Sept. 26,
1907 (L. B. B.); Windsor, Sept. 4, 1893, one young taken ;
Portland, Sept. 7, 1893, one shot in garden of J. H. S. by S. R.;
Branford, Sept. 15, 1906, two (L. B. B.); East Haven, Oct. 5,
1907 (L. B. B.).
Spring record. May 5, 1888, Stamford, female taken (Hoyt).
Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea Ridgway. Yellow Palm
Warbler.
A common spring and fall migrant in April and October;
possibly occasionally wintering.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April Io,
1889, March 24, 1890 (L. B. W.) ; Portland, April 4, 1910. . Latest
record. New Haven, May 13, 1882, May 14, 1907 (A. A. S.);
Portland, May 8, 1893.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 26, 1901,
1907; Portland, Sept. 29, 1893; Litchfield, Sept. 22, 1898 (E. S.
W.). Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 30, 1907, Nov. 12, 1892
(H. W. F.) ; Portland, Oct. 31, 1908.
Winter record. Dec. 25, 1887, Woodmont, one taken (R. D.
Camp).
Dendroica discolor (Vieillot). Prairie Warbler.
A common summer resident of the southern part of the state
from May until July; less common farther north.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 2, 1882, 1899, April 27,
1907 (A. A. S.); Portland, April 27, 1888.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 17, 1904; Portland, Sept.
21, 1892.
Nest. In a small shrub, often a birch or bayberry, in a thicket,
14 to 3 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 3-5; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 27, 1894, four eggs and
one Cowbird’s egg (Morgan and L. B. B.). Latest record. June
25, 1888, four eggs (Eames).
Dr. Eames found it breeding commonly in Seymour in hazel
bushes, and has heard it singing as late as July 10 (1888). It is
very rare in Stamford (Hoyt and Porter). Mr. E. S. Woodruff
found a few at Rainbow, Windsor, May 24, 1906.
1Auwk, xi, 2, p. 181.
160 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Seiurus aurocapillus (Linnzus). Ovenbird.
An abundant summer resident of woodland from May until
September.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 27, 1907, April 26, 1902
(A. A. S.); Portland, May 2, 1902, 1908; Hartford, April 26,
1893.1
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 9, 1894; Portland, Sept. 28,
1gol.
Nest. On the ground in the woods, covered; usually com-
posed of leaves, strips of bark and vines, and weeds, and lined
with fine grass and hair.
Eggs. 2-6, usually 3-5; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 20, 1886, four eggs
(J. H. S.); May 20, 1895, five eggs (Beers). Latest record.
July 10, 1900, three eggs (L. B. B.).
A set of six eggs was collected near New Haven, May 30,
1891, by H. W. F.; a set of two eggs watched from May 31 to
June 5, 1884, by Hamlin,? and another set of two incubated eggs
watched from June 1 to June 5, 1896, by L. B. B.; a nest with two
infertile eggs and five young birds was found June 16, 1883, by
L. B. B.
This species is much persecuted by the Cowbirds, 11 out of
30 nests examined by L. B. B. containing eggs of this pest.
The Ovenbird has been heard singing as late as July 22 (1904)
by L. B. B.
Seiurus noveboracensis noveboracensis (Gmelin). Water-
Thrush.
A common migrant in May, August, and early September,
frequenting the swamps and sluggish watercourses.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 6,
1899, May 2, 1888 (H. W. F.), May 2, 1906 (A. A. S.); Port-
land, April 27, 1908; Litchfield, May 1, 1905 (E. S. W.). Latest
record, New Haven, May 29, 1907, May 31, 1907 (A. A. S.);
Portland, May 30, 1905; Litchfield, June 3, 1905 (E. S. W.).
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 3, 1898;
Portland, Aug. 17, 1886. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 6,
1 Bird-Lore, viii, 3, p. 100.
20. and O., xvii, 7, p. 103.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 161
1895; Portland, Oct. 3, 1890, 1893, 1894; Litchfield, Sept. 23,
1905 (E. S. W.).
Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis Ridgway. Grinnell’s
Water-Thrush.
A rare visitor during migrations.
Connecticut records. Sept. 7, 1904, Hamden, young female;
Sept. 21, 1904, East Haven, young male; May 20, 1905, Orange,
adult male; Aug. 25, Sept. 7, 1906, New Haven — all taken by
L. B. B.; Aug. 29, 1907, Branford, one found dead (L. C. S., in
coll. of L. B. B.).
Seiurus motacilla (Vieillot). Louisiana Water-Thrush.
A tolerably common summer resident from April until July,
breeding throughout the state but most abundant near Saybrook.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 10, 1896; Portland, April
13, 1892.
Latest record. New Haven, Aug. I, 1904.
Unusual record. Feb. 15, 1882, Deep River, one shot
(H.W. F.)+
This species is rare in Litchfield County, but we have the fol-
lowing records: July 31, Aug. 1, 5, 9, 1893, Litchfield (E. S.
W.) ; June 13, 1900, Warren, adults with young seen (L. B. B.);
June 20, 1904, Salisbury, an adult (J. H. S. and L. B. B.); June
14, 1905, June 28, 1906, Mt. Tom, Litchfield County (E. S. W.).
Nest. In an upturned root, a mossy bank, or under the edge
of the cut bank of a stream, usually within 1 to 5 feet of the water.
Eggs. 4-6; the middle of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 6, 1902, three eggs (J.
C. A. M.); May 9, 1900, six eggs (J. H. H.). Latest record.
June 10, 1894, four eggs (L. B. B.).
Heard singing as late as July 22 (1904) by L. B. B.
Oporornis formosus (Wilson). Kentucky Warbler.
Very rare summer visitant along the southwestern coast.
Connecticut records. May 30, 1888, West Stratford, a male
shot (W. H. Lucas) ;? July 10, 1892, Greenwich, a female seen
10. and O., vii, 19, DP. 147.
20, and O., xiv, 4, p. 62.
11
162 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
feeding a well-fledged nestling in the swampy woods; later, the
same day, the male secured (C. G. Voorhees).
Oporornis agilis (Wilson). Connecticut Warbler.
A tolerably common fall migrant in late September and early
October; shy, and frequenting damp young woods with dense
undergrowth; unknown in the spring.
Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 12, 1904; Portland, Sept.
7, 1899; Litchfield, Sept. 1, 1893 (E. S. W.); East Hartford,
Sept. 1, 1887 (W. E. T.). |
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 8, 1909, Oct. 13, 1906 (E.
S. W.); Portland, Oct. 12, 1909; Litchfield, Oct. 11, 1900 (E. S.
W.); Easton, Oct. 3, 1908 (H. W. B.).
This warbler is reported by E. S. W. as tolerably common in
the fall at Litchfield. L. B. B. has a dozen or so records from
New Haven, and J. H. S. an equal number from Portland. At
other places it seems to be rather rare, Porter reporting it from
Stamford only once (Sept. 28, 1893), Perry and Beers at Bridge-
port once (Sept. 15, 1904), and Hoyt from Washington once
(Oct. Io, 1904).
Adult males seem to be very rare, one being taken Sept. 27,
1886, by H. W. F., another Sept., 1893, by A. H. V. (in coll. of
Porter), and one seen Oct. 5, 1901, by L. B. B. Taken at Port-
land, Sept. 23, 25, Oct. 5, 1893, by W. E. T. (in coll. of J. H. S.).
Oporornis philadelphia (Wilson). Mourning Warbler.
A rare late spring and fall migrant.
Connecticut records. Merriam? records the following: May,
1875, Milford, male and female killed (Grinnell) ; May 15, 17,
1876, New Haven (Osborn); May 24, 1876, New Haven, male
(Bragg) ; May 25, 1876, New Haven, two males (Dayan) ; May
27, 1876, New Haven, several seen (Merriam) ; May 25, 1877,
Savin Rock, New Haven, male (Merriam). Other records are:
May 30, 1877, Saybrook (J. H. S.) ; May 30, 1879, Whitneyville,
female (Woolsey, in Peabody Museum); May 23, 1882, Deep
River, male (H. W. F., in Brewster collection) ; May 8, 1885,
Litchfield, two seen (L. B. W.); Sept. 24, 1891, Litchfield, a
female, the only fall record (E. S. W.); May 17, 18, 1892, New
1Auk, x, 1, p. 86.
4 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 23.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 163
Haven, two males (H. W. F.); May 26, 1892, East Hartford,
male taken (W. E. T.); May 26, 1893, Whitneyville, male seen
(L. B. B.); May 26, 27, 1893, Portland, male taken (J. H. S.);
May 31, 1898, Hamden, male taken (A. H. V., in coll. of L. B.
B.) ; May 21, 1900, Kent (H. K. J.); June 17, 1907, Portland,
adult male seen (J. H. S.).
Geothlypis trichas trichas (Linnzeus). Maryland Yellow-
throat.
A common summer resident, from May until October.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 2, 1899, 1908, May 1,
1902, 1907 (A. A. S.); Portland, April 29, 1908.
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 3, 1883; Portland, Nov. 7,
1884.
‘Nest. On the ground under a plant, or a few inches from the
ground in a tussock of grass or a skunk cabbage in a wooded
swamp, or in a bush in a thicket.
Eggs. 4-5; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 22, 1888, five eggs (C.
L. R.).1\ Latest record. June 29, 1905, four eggs (E. S. W.).
This species has been heard singing as late as Aug. 1 (1904),
by L. B. B. ,
A young male with bill twisted like that of a Crossbill taken
in East Haven, Oct. 4, 1905 (L. B. B.).
Icteria virens virens (Linneus). Yellow-breasted Chat.
A common summer resident from May until July, breeding
in brush lots throughout the state, but most abundantly in the
southern portion.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 2, 1899, 1908; Portland,
May 6, 1806.
Latest record. New Haven, Aug. 17, 1894, Sept. 21, 1904 (?).
Unusual records. Oct. 3, 1896, New Haven, one just shot
seen in a gun store (L. B. B.); Dec. 24, 1911, Jan. 1, 1912,
South Norwalk (W. F. Smith)
Nest. In a thick bush in brush lot, 114 to 7 feet from the
ground.
Eggs. 2-5, usually 4; the last of May.
10. and O., ii, 1, p. 1.
32Bird-Lore, xiv, 2, p. 114.
164 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 22, 1896, four eggs
(L. B. B.). Latest record. July 7, 1888, four eggs (Eames).
Unusual sets. New Haven, June 9, 1899, set of two exceed-
ingly small eggs (H. W. F.) ; Hamden, May 27, 1896, five eggs
and two Cowbirds’ eggs (L. B. B.).
Wilsonia citrina (Boddaert). Hooded Warbler.
A tolerably common summer resident of the southern part of
the state from May to July; very rare inland.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 8, 1894; East Haven, May
4, 1886 (L. C. S.) ; Saybrook, May 2 (J. N.C.)
Latest record. New Haven, July 22, 1904, Westville, Sept.
20, 1897 (A. H. V., in coll. of L. B. B.).
Inland records. Suffield (E. I. Shores) ;? Beacon Falls and
Newtown (Eames); Winchester, 1900, nest with four eggs
(Williams) *
Nest. Usually in the fork of a small Kalmia growing in the
woods, 1-2 feet from the ground; composed of dry leaves, grape-
vine bark, woolly and cottony material, and lined with fine new
grass, grape-vine bark, root fibers, or horse-hair.
Eggs. 2-5, usually 4; the beginning of June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 25, 1880, four eggs
(J. N.C.).* Latest record. June 24, 1893, four eggs (H. W. F.).
Breeding localities. This species has been found breeding
in Stamford (Porter), Bridgeport (Beers and J. C. A. M.), up
the Housatonic as far as Beacon Falls and Newtown (Eames),
near New Haven (H. W. F., A. H. V., L. B. B.), Saybrook
(abundant, J. N. C.), Deep River (H. W. F., Watrous), New
London (Hill).
This species frequents the dense Kalmia thickets of wooded
hillsides. On account of its shy habits it is not as frequently seen
as heard. The Hooded Warbler has been heard singing as late as
July 22 (1904) by L. B. B.
Wilsonia pusilla pusilla (Wilson). Wilson’s Warbler.
A spring and fall migrant in May and September; usually
rather rare, and most often seen in the spring.
10. and O., vi, 2, p. 9.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 25.
2Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 309.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 165
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 11,
1893, 1900; Portland, May 8, 1894, 1905. Latest record. New
Haven, May 22, 1893, 1907, June 3, 1907 (A. A. S.); Portland,
June 1, 1907.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 27, 1907.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 22, 1904; Portland, Sept. 27,
1893.
This bird frequents chiefly thick shrubbery in its passage
through the state.
Wilsonia canadensis (Linnzus). Canada Warbler.
A common late spring migrant in May, and much rarer late
summer migrant in August; undoubtedly breeds more or less
regularly in the northwestern part of the state, although few nests
have been taken.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 8,
1894; Portland, May 1, 1905. Latest record. New Haven,
June 1, 1898, 1907, June 3, 1907 (A. A. S.); Portland, June Io,
1907; Milford, June 3, 1900 (J. C. A. M.).
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 12, 1904.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 1, 1903; Portland, Sept. 1,
1892; Litchfield, Sept. 9, 1892 (E. S. W.); East Hartford, Sept.
16, 1885 (W. E. T.).
Summer records. June 15, 1885, June 9, 1891, Aug. 2, 1893,
June 13, 14, 1905, Litchfield (L. B. W. and E. S. W.); June 15,
1894, near New Haven, a male with a female and young seen
(A. H. V., the male taken by L. B. B.); July 3, 1896, Norfolk,
young taken by W. E. T. (in coll. of J. H. S.) ; June 8, 1900, Kent
(I, B. B.); June 11, 1900, Warren (L. B. B.) ; June 12, 1900,
Romford (L. B. B.) ; June 18, 20, 1904, Salisbury (J. H. S. and
L. B. B.); early July, 1906, Salisbury (H. K. J.).
Nest record. May 30, 1889, Northford, nest containing five
eggs in a raspberry bush in a pasture, male identified while on the
nest (A. M. Linsley).?
As all of the birds noted above in June kept closely to the
locality in which they were first seen as long as they were ob-
served, and as the males taken were certainly breeding birds, this
species must be entered as a summer resident in this state. Dur-
1 Qélogist, vi, 12, p. 233.
166 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
ing this time this warbler frequents secluded ravines or wooded
hillsides, with thick undergrowth of Kalmia, and carpeted with
dry leaves.
Setophaga ruticilla (Linnzus). Redstart.
A common summer resident from May until September, breed-
ing in somewhat larger numbers in the northern part of the state.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 30, 1908; Portland, April
30, 1903.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 29, 1897, Oct. 5, 1907 (A.
A. S.); Portland, Sept. 26, 1890.
Nest. Usually in a fork of the trunk of a small deciduous tree,
from 10 to 20 feet from the ground. Building, May 20 to
June 15.
Eggs. 3-5, usually 4; early in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 20, 1894, five eggs
(H. W. F.). Latest record. June 27, 1883, three eggs (Eames).
Young males with the plumage somewhat brighter than the
juvenal, with scattered black feathers on the throat, are common
in the spring, and also occasionally noted in the fall (Sept. 17,
1900, Sept. 10, 1904, L. B. B.). L. B. B. is inclined to believe
that this is the normal plumage.of the male in the second year,
and that it is assumed the first fall.
The Redstart has been heard singing as lateas Aug.15 (1904)
by L. B. B. :
Family MOTACILLIDE. Wagtails.
Anthus rubescens (Tunstall). Pipit.
An abundant fall migrant in October arid early: November in
the salt marshes; much rarer in the spring and in the interior’ of
the state.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 2,
1898; Portland, April 8; 1909; Stamford, March 26, 1894 (Por-
ter). Latest record. New Haven, April 24, 1889, May 16, 1888
(L. B. W.); Portland, May 8, 1905; Bridgeport, May 4, 1892
(Eames).
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 25, 1903;
Portland, Sept. 27, 1892. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 9,
1903, Nov. 23, 1907 (A. A. S.); Portland, Nov. 5, 1890.
Winter records. Samuels recorded that this species “ re-
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 167
mained throughout mild winters in southern New England.” ?
Dec. 1, 1883, Dec. 31, 1885, Dec. 12, 1889, Guilford (L. B. B.).
Family MIMIDA. Thrashers, Mockingbirds, etc.
Mimus polyglottos polyglottos (Linnzus). Mockingbird.
Very rare visitant. ,
Connecticut records. Linsley recorded it from Stratford and
New Haven’; Milford (G. B. Grinnell)?; Suffield (Lester)?;
Saybrook (J. N. C.)?; May 30, 1877, near New Haven
(Osborne)?; Dec. 18, 1882, New Haven (formerly in coll. of
L. C. S., seen in flesh by L. B. B.) ; June 20, 1884, Jewett City,
nest with five eggs, June 28, second clutch of three eggs, female
shot and identified (Prior)*; July 21, 1894, West Haven, one
reported seen, in the New Haven Journal and Courier; Nov. 2,
1904, New Haven, one flew into greenhouse (J. Y. Stetson, seen
by L. B. B.); June 9, 1907, Middletown, one seen (Cady) ; Nov.
30, I910 — Feb. 9, 1911, West Hartford, one seen and identified
by Mrs. L. A. Cressy; another seen the same winter (St. John)‘;
Feb. 8— April 4, 1911, Portland, one seen by C. H. N.
The late Frank L. Burr, of the Hartford Times, once told
me that about the time of the Civil War a pair of Mockingbirds
nested in the meadow north of Avon St., Hartford. There was
no question as to the identity of the birds, but the eggs were
destroyed. A year or two later a pair had a nest quite near a
house on Wethersfield Ave. in the same city, and in the vicinity
of Armsmear, the residence of the late Mrs. Samuel Colt. This
nest also had eggs which were destroyed. Gurdon Trumbull,
the artist and ornithologist of Hartford, now dead, informed
me that he remembered distinctly two or three pairs of these
birds nesting, about 1860, in what was then known as Gillette’s
Grove, Hartford. He saw the birds and heard them sing. The
eggs were taken by Mr. Trumbull and a boy friend, now a
well-known actor and playwright. (J. H. S.)
Dumetella carolinensis (Linnzus). Catbird.
An abundant summer resident from May until September;
winters accidentally.
1Samuels, Birds of New England, p. 200.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 7.
30. and O., ix, 8 pp. 94-95.
4Bird-Lore, xiii, 2, p. 97.
168 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 30, 1908, April 29, 1882
(L. C. S.); Portland, April 27, 1908.
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 2, 1904, Nov. 4, 1874, 1875
(Merriam) ;* Portland, Oct. 12, 1909.
Winter records. Jan. 24, 1900, Guilford, one taken (A. H.
V.andL.B.B.) ; Jan. 4, 1904, Berlin, bird which had spent winter,
being fed by people, died of starvation (seen by J. H. S.); Dec.
24, 1911, South Norwalk (W. F. Smith)
Nest. In a thicket, such as in an elder bush or grape-vine,
or low willow, or tangle of bushes, 3 to 12 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 2-5, commonly 4; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 17, 1887, nest with
five eggs (J. N. C.).2 Latest record. July 26, 1889, nest with
three fresh eggs (W. I. C.) ;* Aug. 4, 1882, two young (L. B. B.).
Unusual nesting records. June 5, 1889, nest composed largely
of paper (L. B. B.); May 20, 1893, nest with five eggs, built
inside old Robin’s nest (Beers); June 3, 1894, Branford, nest
with six eggs (Nichols).
Mr. John Nichols records having seen eggs of this species
spotted with red.
Toxostoma rufum (Linneus). Brown Thrasher.
A common summer resident from May until September; win-
ters accidentally.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 23, 1906, April 21, 1906
(A. A. S. and E. S. W.); Portland, March 28, 1879, April 20,
1910.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 24, 1911; Portland, Oct. 20,
1890; Branford, Nov. 29, 1911 (John Nichols).
Winter records. Shortly before Feb. 15, 1896, Bethel, col-
lected by E. T. and H. C. Judd (in coll. of H. C. Judd) ; Jan. 17,
Feb. 11 and 22, 1912, South Norwalk (W. F. Smith) 5
Nest. Commonly on the ground at the foot of'a stump, in a
heap of brush, in bushes up to 4 feet from the ground, or very
1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 8.
3 Bird-Lore, xiv, 2, p. I14.
30, and O., xii, 10, p. 174.
4 Odlogist, vi, 12, p. 231.
5 Bird-Lore, xiv, 2, p. 114.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 169
rarely higher in a tree, 12 feet from the ground, May 30, 1896
(Camp and L. B. B.).
Eggs. 3-5; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 12, 1894, five eggs (L.
B. B.). Latest record. July 8, 1882, three eggs (L. B. B.).
The Brown Thrasher has been heard singing'as late as Sept.
16 (1904) by L. B. B.
A female with the bill unusually long and slender and the
maxilia extending .19 inch beyond the mandible, taken at New
Haven, May 2, 1892 (C. F. Hedges, in coll. of L. B. B.).
Family TROGLODYTIDA. Wrens.
Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus (Latham). Caro-
lina Wren.
A rare resident of the southern border, having apparently
appeared, and certainly greatly increased, during the last few
years.
Connecticut records. Merriam! gave no records, but said,
“it doubtless occurs as a rare summer resident from the South
in the Connecticut Valley and along our southern border”. Nov.
15, 1878, Saybrook, one taken (J. N. C.)?; March 2, 1883,
Portland, male shot (C. H. N.)*; 1884, Portland, one reported
seen by Chas. Lincoln; March 18, 1886, East Hartford, male
taken (W. E. T.)*; fall, 1891, Stamford, two taken (reported
by Hoyt); April 8, 1892, Bridgeport, male taken (Eames)5;
Oct. 23, 1894, Stamford, one taken (Hoyt, in coll. of L. B. B.);
Nov. 30, 1894, Stamford, male (Schaler) ; April 20, 1895, two
seen, June 13, 1895, same two and two young seen, near Bridge-
port (Eames and Taylor)*; Dec. 17, 1897, Lyme, one seen
(Brockway)"; April 7, 1900, Norwalk, pair seen (Smith)®;
July 15, 1901, Chester, nest with five eggs (Watrous)*; winter,
1901-2, Norwalk, pair wintered (Smith)*®, May 2, 1902, Norwalk,
1 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 11. |
2 Bull, Nuttall Ornith. Club, iv, i, p. 61.
8 Bull. Nuttall Ornith. Club, viii, 2, p. 120.
4 Auk, iii, 4, p. 480.
5 Auk, x, 1, p. 89.
6 Auk, xiii, 1, p. 84.
1Auk, xv, 2, p. 192.
8 Auk, xix, I, p. gt.
° Bird-Lore, v, 5, Pp. 163-4
170 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT, HIST, SURVEY. [Bull.
nest (Smith)1, Sept. 11, 1902, New Haven, young male taken
(L. B. B.) ; Oct. 31, 1902, Guilford, young female taken, another
seen, and still another Nov. 4, 1903 (L. B. B.); 1903, Norwalk,
tow pairs nested (Smith)1; Nov. 4, 1903, Leete’s Island, one seen
(L. B. B.).
After 1903 records of this species in Connecticut ceased, and
it is probable that nearly all of those Wrens perished in the cold
winters of 1903-4 and 1904-5. In the winter of 1908-9 the
Carolina Wren again appeared in numbers: New Haven, Dec.
25, 1908 — March 6, 1909, two seen on a dozen dates (A. W. H.,
C. H. P., D. B. P.), May 26, 1909, one (L. B. B.) ; Bethel, March
17, 1909, one (R. C. Judd); Bridgeport, May 9, June 1, 1909
(H. W..B.); Portland, Feb. 22, 23, June 11, 12, 18, 1909 (J.
H. S.); Hartford, May 16, 1909, one seen (Smith, Powers, and
Gabriel). Since then we have no records until Nov. 16-23, 1911,
when a male was seen and heard singing at East Hartford by
W.E. T. The bird remained and was in full song Aug. 20, 1912.
Westbrook, Aug. 4, 1912, nest with two young (Mrs. L. W.
Gregg). Probably this Wren still occurs near Stamford, where
it was apparently firmly established as early as 1895.
Troglodytes aédon aédon Vieillot. House Wren.
A tolerably common summer resident of orchards from May
to September; not abundant anywhere, and apparently decreas-
ing in numbers.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 26, 1909, April 24, 1906
(A. A. S.); Portland, April 19, 1896.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 14, 1907, Oct. 16, 1906 (E.
S. W.); Portland, Sept. 26, 1893; East Hartford, Oct. 16, 1887
(W. E. T.).
Nest. In a hollow in a tree, commonly an apple, in a post or
a building, occasionally in the deserted nest of a Baltimore
Oriole? Height from ground, 6 to 18 feet.
Eggs 3-8, the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 23, 1884, three eggs
(L. B. B.). Latest record. Aug. 12, 1900, five eggs (W. R.
Nichols). A set of eight eggs was collected in Westville, New
Haven, May 30, 1894 (H. W. F.).
1Bird-Lore, v, 5, pp. 163-4.
3 Bird-Lore, i, 5, p. 166. Odlogist, xiv, 6, p. 58.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 171
The spread of the English Sparrows into the farming districts
has probably had much to do with the decrease of this species, as
they preémpt all the suitable breeding hollows before the House
Wrens arrive. In New Haven, where this Wren formerly bred
commonly, even in the center of the city, its song is now seldom
heard.
The House Wren has been heard singing as late as Sept. 16
(1904) by L. B. B.
Nannus hiemalis hiemalis (Vieillot). Winter Wren.
A tolerably common fall migrant in October, a much rarer
winter resident and spring migrant; very rarely breeds in this
state. :
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 18, 1903;
Portland, Sept. 23, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 4,
1903; Portland, Nov. 27, 1889.
Winter records. Dec. 1, 1879, New Haven (Goodrich, in coll.
of L. B. B.); Jan. 14, 1901, Jan. 15, 1902, March 7, 1903, Jan. 9,
1905, Guilford (L. B. B.) ; Feb. 1, 1877, Feb. 4, 1885, March 12,
1889, Feb. 22, 1890, Feb. 23, 1891, Feb. 22, 1899, Dec. 9, IgoI,
Dec. 21, 1908, Portland (J. H. S.).
Spring records. New Haven, May 15, 1889 (L. B. W.),
April 10, 1889, May 3, 1904 (L. B. B.), March 29, April 26,
1907 (A. A.S.andC.H. P.); Bridgeport, May 3, 1892 (Eames).
Summer record. Sage’s Ravine, Salisbury, July 5, 6, 1906,
two pairs found (H. K. J.)#
One noticed singing as late as Nov. 4 (1903) by L. B. B.
Cistothorus stellaris (Naumann). Short-billed Marsh
Wren.
A rare summer resident from June to September; tolerably
common in parts of Litchfield County.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 22, 1890 (L. B. W.);
Portland, May 15, 1888.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 13, 1906 (H. H. Townsend) ;
Portland, Oct. 14, 1892.
Distribution. Litchfield, reported fairly common by E. S. W.,
and eggs found June 8, 1891, and June 27, 1907, and two birds
1Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 3ro.
172 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
taken by A. H. V., Sept. 15, 1894; Warren, June 9, 12, 1900, taken
by L. B. B.; Bethel, reported regularly by G. L. Hamlin, eggs
taken July 10, 1890, by H. C. Judd; Danbury, one pair reported
regularly by G. L. Hamlin; New Haven, May 22, 1890 (L. B.
W.), July 19, 1893 (Hedges and H. W. F.), Sept. 25, 1895 (H.
W. F.), Oct. 13, 1906 (Townsend); Portland, fairly regular
during the last week of September and first of October from
1890 to 1899 (Sept. 9, 1893, Oct. 14, 1892), also May 15, 1888,
May 23, 1904, and May 16, 1g10.
Nest. In grass of a shallow fresh-water marsh, from 1 to
2 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 5-8; the middle of June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. June 8, 1891, seven eggs
(L. B. W. and E. S. W.). Latest record. July 10, 1890, eggs
(H. C. Judd).
Telmatodytes palustris palustris (Wilson). Long-billed
Marsh Wren.
An abundant summer resident of the salt and brackish marshes
from May to September.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 5, 1896; Portland, May
5, 1906, 1908.
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 8, 1904; Portland, Oct. 26,
1887.
Winter records. Nov. 26, 1905, Feb. 24, 1906, March 6, 1906,
Quinnipiac Marshes, North Haven (E. S. W.).
Nest. In grass of a marsh, cat-tails, sweet flag, or small
bushes, from 1 to 6 feet from the ground, usually 1 to 3 feet.
Eggs. 2-6; the middle of June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. June 1, 1905, five eggs (J.
H. S:). Latest record. Aug. 24, 1903, two-young (L. B. B.).
Unusual eggs. Set of four white eggs, June 24, 1893, Quin-
nipiac Marshes, North Haven (L. B. B.); set of five, same spot,
less than 10 yards away, July 11, 1893; four more, in a nest about
8 feet from the first, July 28, 1893; Portland, June 8, 1905, set
of six (J. H. S.)..
This species has been heard singing as late as Sept. 18 (1895)
and Sept. 26 (1904) by L. B. B.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 173
Family CERTHIIDA. Creepers.
Certhia familiaris americana Bonaparte. Brown Creeper.
A tolerably common winter resident from October to April;
most common in October, but wintering regularly in small
numbers.
Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 22, 1903, 1904; Portland,
Oct. 2, 1893; Litchfield, Sept. 19, 1906 (E. S. W.).
Latest record. New Haven, May 7, 1888; ‘Portland, April
27, 1907; Danbury, April 28, 1907 (J. C. A. M.) ; East Hartford,
May 7, 1892 (W. E. T.).
* Family SITTIDA. Nuthatches.
Sitta carolinensis carolinensis Latham. White-breasted
Nuthatch.
A tolerably common resident, but less common than formerly
in southern Connecticut.
Nest. Ina hole, at least partially excavated by the birds them-
selves, in the trunk of a large tree in the woods at from 25 to 30
feet from the ground.
Eggs. 5-9; early in May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 21, 1890, five eggs
(J. H. S.). Latest record. May 30, 1877, six eggs (J. H. S.).
A set of eight eggs taken, May 13, 1902 (Hill) ; a set of nine
eggs taken in Jewett City, May 19, 1884 (C. E. Prior).1
Sitta canadensis Linnzeus. Red-breasted Nuthatch.
A common fall and rare spring migrant, and an irregular
winter resident; most abundant in October.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 24,
1902; Portland, March 14, 1893, 1900. Latest record. New
Haven, April 1, 1896, April 27, 1888 (L. B. W.) ; Portland, May
10, 1893.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Aug. 27, 1903;
Portland, Sept. 4, 1908. Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 4,
1903, Nov. 28, 1906 (A. A. S.); Portland, Oct. 18, 1888.
Winter records. New Haven, Feb. 22, 1894, Feb. 10, Dec.
10, 1896, Jan. 24, Feb. 6, 16, 21, 1900, Jan. 15, Dec. 30, 1902,
10. and O., ix, 8, p. roo.
174 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
(L. B. B.), Jan. 25, 1907 (E. S. W.); Portland, Dec. 9, 30, 1895,
Jan. 23-—Feb. 22, 1896, Dec. 6-18, 1899, Feb. 12, 1900, Jan.
15, 1902 (J. H.S.).
Breeding records. June 1, 1876, Winchester, nest with eggs
found, the female being shot (in coll. of Williams) ;+ June 27,
1896, Norfolk, male, female, and young taken by W. E. T.
(in coll. of J. H. S.)
Family PARID. Titmice.
Bezolophus bicolor (Linneus). Tufted Titmouse.
A very rare visitor from the south.
The only Connecticut records are those noted by ‘Merriam :
Linsley recorded it at New Haven; Feb. 27, 1872, one shot, Jan.,
1874, one seen, Lyme (J. G. Ely); taken near Hartford by Dr.
D. Crary.
Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus (Linneus). Chickadee.
A common resident; keeping in family flocks except in the
breeding seasons, and venturing into the cities in the fall and
winter.
Nest. In a hole excavated by the birds in a dead stump or
limb at from Io inches to 20 feet from the ground. The entrance
is often from the top of the stump, and the nest cavity sometimes
extends below the ground level.
Eggs. 3-10; the middle of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 11, 1891, seven eggs
(J. N. C.). Latest record. July 2, 1893, four eggs (A. H. V.
and L. B. B.).
Unusual sets. Set of eight and another of nine reported at
Wallingford in 1884 (J. R. M.) ; set of eight taken at Ivoryton,
May 28, 1895 (G. D. French, in coll. of L. B. B.); set of ten
found May 30, 1904, and set of eight found May 18, 1907, at
Portland (J. H. S.).
Penthestes hudsonicus hudsonicus (J. R. Forster). Hud-
sonian Chickadee.
The only Connecticut record for this species is reported in the
Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornith. Club for July, 1876, and is quoted
1Job, The Sport of Bird Study, p. 311.
2Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 9.
3 Young Odlogist, i, 5, p. 70.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 175
by Merriam:* “On Nov. 13, 1875, Mr. Robert Morris, while
shooting in a wooded ravine a few miles from town (New
Haven), killed a female Hudsonian Titmouse (Parus Hudson-
icus). The specimen is now in the collection of Mr. Thomas
Osborne of this city.”
Family SYLVIIDA. Warblers, Kinglets, Gnatcatchers.
Subfamily Recutinaz. Kinglets.
Regulus satrapa satrapa Lichtenstein. Golden-crowned
Kinglet.
An abundant fall and common spring migrant, and tolerably
common winter resident; the majority passing through the state
in October and November and again in March and April.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 1,
1898; Portland, March 2, 1898. Latest record. New Haven,
April 28, 1906, May 11, 1906 (A. A. S.); Portland, April 25,
1888.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 24, 1903;
Portland, Oct. 8, 1890; Litchfield, Sept. 21, 1896 (L. B. W.).
Latest record. New Haven, Nov. 22, 1904; Portland, Nov. 28,
1881.
Winter records. It has been observed in small numbers near
New Haven during most winters by L. B. B., and in Portland
during the winters of 1874-5, 1877-8, 1889-90, 1892-3, 1899-1900,
1902-3, 1910-11, by J. H. S.
Regulus calendula calendula (Linnzus). Ruby-crowned
Kinglet.
A common fall and tolerably common spring migrant in
October and April; mingling with the Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, April 7,
1888 ; Portland, April 8, 1889. Latest record. New Haven, April
27,1907, May 14, 1907 (A. A. S.); Portland, May 6, 1891 ; Litch-
field, May 10, 1905 (E. S. W.).
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 22, 1904;
Portland, Sept. 26, 1893. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 28,
1904, Nov. 4, 1907 (A. A. S.), Nov. 24 (Merriam) ;? Portland,
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 10.
4Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 8.
176 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST, SURVEY. [Bull.
Oct. 26, 1892; Guilford, Nov. 22, 1894, one with slightly in-
jured leg taken (L. B. B.).
A young male with the crown patch orange-buff and the entire
plumage more gray even than adults in spring was collected
in New Haven, Oct. 28, 1904, by L. B. B.
Subfamily PotiopTirinm. Gnatcatchers.
Polioptila czrulea czrulea (Linnzus). Blue-gray Gnat-
catcher.
Very rare summer visitant.
Connecticut records. Linsley recorded it from Stratford ;!
1874 (male), 1876 (female), Wauregan, shot by C. M. Carpen-
ter ;! May 11, 1883, Portland, male shot (in possession of J. W.
Lord) ;? Sept. 1, 1885, New Haven, young male taken (L. C.
S.) 3 May 7, 1886, East Hartford, female killed (W. E. T.) 3
April 6, 1892, Stratford, one heard (Eames).®
Family TURDIDA. Thrushes, Solitaires, Stonechats, Blue-
birds, etc.
Subfamily Turpinz. Thrushes.
Hylocichla mustelina (Gmelin). Wood Thrush.
A common summer resident throughout the state from May
till September; abundant along the southern border.
Earliest record. New Haven, April 26, 1900; Portland, April
28, 1902.
Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 3, 1895, 1903, Oct. 4, 1906
(E. S. W.); Portland, Sept. 18, 1893.
Nest. In a sapling or‘tree in the deep woods, 2-25 feet from
the ground. Building, May 10-25.
Eggs. 3-5; the last of May or first week in June.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 16, 1900, four eggs
(Hill). Latest record. July 22, 1904, three eggs (L. B. B.).
Spotted eggs have occasionally been taken by J. H. S.,°
W. W. C.,6 J. N.C. and W. R. Nichols.
Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 8.
2Bull. Nuttall Ornith. Club, viii, 3, p. 179.
30. and O., xii, 9, p. 156.
4 Auk, iii, 4, p. 487.
5 Auk, x, 1, p. 89.
6 Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 6.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 177
A young albino without a single dark feather was taken in
Trumbull, July to, 1889 (in Averill coll. of the Bpt. Sci. Soc.).
Hylocichla fuscescens fuscescens (Stephens). Wilson’s
Thrush. Veery.
A common summer resident of damp woodland throughout the
state from May until July.
Earliest record. New Haven, May 1, 1896, April 30, 1888
(L. B. W.), 1906 (A. A. S.); Portland, April 27, 1907.
Latest record. New Haven, Sept. 22, 1903; Portland, Aug.
30, 1894.
Nest. On the ground underneath a bush or among dead leaves
in the woods, in a tussock of grass in a swamp, very rarely as
much as a foot above the ground in a bush. Building, May
15-30.
Eggs. 4-5; the last of May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 20, 1900, three eggs
(J. C. A. M.). Latest record. June 13, 1905, Litchfield
(E. S. W.).
Spotted eggs were found in Litchfield, May 30, 1903 (L. B.
W. and E. S. W.).
Hylocichla fuscescens salicicola Ridgway. Willow Thrush.
A visitor from the West during migrations.
Connecticut records. May 5, 1894, Woodbridge; Sept. 23,
1895, New Haven; May 16, 1900, May 14, 1904, East Haven;
each time an adult male taken by L. B. B.
Hylocichla aliciz alicie (Baird). Gray-cheeked Thrush.
A common spring and fall migrant in May and September.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 9,
1900; Portland, May 11, 1893; Litchfield, May 7, 1905 (E. S.
W.). Latest record. New Haven, May 27, 1896, May 29, 1907
(A. A. S.); Portland, May 27, 1885; Seymour, May 29, 1888
(Eames) ; Bridgeport, May 29, 1889 (Eames).
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 5, 1906;
Portland, Sept. 14, 1895. Latest record. New Haven, Oct. 11,
1906; Portland, Sept. 26, 1893; East Hartford, Oct. 5, 1887
(W. E. T.).
12
178 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Hylocichla aliciz bicknelli Ridgway. Bicknell’s Thrush.
A rather rare spring and fall migrant in May and late
September ; associating with the Gray-cheeked Thrush.
Spring migration. New Haven, May 15 (1907, 1908)— May
22 (1902).
Fall migration. New Haven, Sept. 17 (1903)— Oct. 24
(1895). H.W. F.
Spring records. May 16, 1900, May 22, 1902, May 20, 1G,
May 15, 1907, 1908, New Haven (L. B. B.).
Fall records. Sept. 23, 1893, Stamford, male pees. Oct.
3, 1895, New Haven, male (A. H. V., in coll. of L. B. B.) ; Oct.
24, 1895, New Haven, male (H. W. F.); Sept. 17, 30, Oct. 3,
1903, Sept. 21, 1904, Oct. 1, 1904, Sept 27, 1905, Oct. 9, 1906,
Oct. 5, 1907, Oct. 9, 1911, New Haven (L. B. B.); Oct. 11, 1906,
New Haven (E. S. W.); Oct. 3, 1908, Easton ( H. W. B.).
Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni (Tschudi). Olive-backed
Thrush.
A tolerably common spring and fall migrant in May and
September.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, May 10,
1900, 1904; Portland, May 7, 1894. Latest record. New Haven,
May 25, 1908, May 29, 1907 (A. A. S.) ; Portland, May 29, 1893.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 7, 1903,
Sept. 4, 1874 (Hall) ;} Portland, Sept. 28, 1876. Latest record.
New Haven, Oct. 4, 1895, 1901, Oct. 12, 1887 (H. W. F.), Oct.
13 (Merriam) ;* Portland, Oct. 5, 1886; Litchfield, Oct. 19, 1886
(L. B. W.); Guilford, Nov. 10, 1906 (E. S. W.).
Hylocichla guttata pallasi (Cabanis). Hermit Thrush.
A common spring and fall migrant in April and October,
breeding regularly in the northwestern part of the state, and
wintering rarely along the coast.
Spring migration. Earliest record. New Haven, March 16,
1907; Portland, April 6, 1875, 1888. Latest record. May 17,
1907, May 18, 1893 (A. H. V.); Portland, May 8, 1888.
Fall migration. Earliest record. New Haven, Sept. 29, 1883;
Portland, Oct. 2, 1893, 1899. Latest record. New Haven, Dec.
1Merriam, Birds of Conn., p. 7.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 179
1, 1883; Portland, Oct. 27, 1884, 1885; East Hartford, Nov. 8,
1890 (W. E. T.).
Winter records. Dec. 14, 22, 1877, Portland (J. H. S.);
March 1, 1878, New Haven (Hotchkiss) ; Jan. 6, 1882, Guilford
(L. B. B.); Jan., 1883, Saybrook (J. N. C.);? Dec. 26, 1892,
New Haven (H. W. F.); Jan. 22, 1896, East Haven (L. B. B.);
Jan. 8, 1901, Portland (J. H. S.); Dec. 18, 1903, Guilford (L.
B. B.).; Jan. 1, 1904, Bristol (Smith and Bruen) ; Jan. 19, 1907,
New Haven (A. A. S.); Feb. 13, 1911, Portland (J. H. S.).
Summer records. June 19, 1887, Hartford County, nest with
three eggs found (“An Observer’) ;? July 2, 1891, Litchfield,
speckled young found, probably one of a brood raised near by
(L. B. W.) ;3 June 20, 23, 1893, two nests containing three eggs
each taken at Norfolk (J. H. S.);* June 18, 1904, Salisbury,
several heard and one taken (J. H. S. and L. B. B.); May 27,
1905, Litchfield, breeding female taken (E. S. W.); July, 1906,
Salisbury (H. K. J.); June 23, 1907, Litchfield, male in song
(E. S. W.).
Planesticus migratorius migratorius (Linnzus). Robin.
An abundant summer and an irregular winter resident; the
majority arriving in March and leaving in October.
Earliest record. New Haven, March 7, 1903, 1910, March
3, 1902 (A. A. S.); Portland, March 3, 1884.
Latest record.>5 New Haven, Noy. 28, 1900, 1903; Portland,
Nov. 27, 1881.
Winter records. This species has been recorded in January,
February, or December, in New Haven, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885,
1886, 1896, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905 (L. B. B.); 1887 (L. B. W.);
1906 (E. S. W.) ; 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910 (D. B. P.) ; in Portland,
1863, 1880, 1882, 1885, 1886, 1890, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1896, 1897,
1899, 1900, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1910 (J. H. S.). A few probably
winter regularly each year.
Nest. In almost every possible situation; the fork of a limb
of a tree, on a stump close to the ground, on a fallen limb, a pile
10. and O., viii, 10, p. 80.
2 Odlogist, viii, 4, Pp. 92.
3 Auk, ix, 2, p. 202.
4 Auk, x, 4, P- 371-
5 Migrants. '
180 CONNECTICUT GEOL, AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. { Bull.
of brush, a tree-box, on the porch of a house or the rafter of a
barn, on a ledge of rocks, on a fence rail— most frequently in a
tree. Height from ground, 3-60 feet; rarely, on the ground.
Building, April 15 to May Io.
Eggs. 2-5, usually 3 or 4; early in May.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 21, 1883, two eggs (L.
B.B.). Latest record. August 3, 1882, four young (L. B. B.).
Spotted eggs are occasionally found; e. g., 1884, Guilford, set
of four, profusely but faintly spotted with Mars brown (Wild-
man) ; 1885, ibid., four more heavily marked (Wildman) ; May
28, 1897, Woodbridge, set of three (H. W. F.).
Runt eggs have been noted: June 3, 1882, Guilford, two
(L. B. B.); June 10, 1894, Branford, one (L. B. B.).
Peculiar nests. May 12, 1894, New Haven, nest made of
thin strips of tissue paper, which depended from it in long
streamers (A. H. V.) ; May 22, 1808, nest with four eggs on the
ground on a railroad embankment (J. C. A. M.); May 15, 1903,
Trumbull, twin nest on girder in a barn, one containing four eggs
of Robin, the other five deserted eggs of Phcebe (Beers); May
7, 1907, Portland, nest in old Flicker’s hole (J. H. S.).
Partial albinos are quite common, having been noted a num-
ber of times in New Haven by 'L. B. B., and in Portland by
J. HAS.
The Robin has been heard singing as late as Oct. 29 (1895)
by L. B. B.
Sialia sialis sialis (Linnzus). Bluebird.
An abundant summer and common winter resident; migrants
arriving early in March and leaving in October and November.
Earliest record.t New Haven, March 6, 1894, March 4, 1901,
1906 (A. A. S.); Portland, March 2, 1900.
Latest record? New Haven, Nov. 25, 1903, Nov. 26, 1906
(A. A. S.); Portland, Nov. 27, 1889.
Winter records. This species has been recorded in January,
February, or December, in New Haven, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1886,
1888, 1889, 1896, 1898, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904 (L. B. B.);
1887 (L. B. W.); 1906 (E. S. W.); 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910 (D.
B. P.); in Portland, 1861, 1871, 1874, 1877, 1878, 1880, 1881,
1 Migrants,
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 181
1882, 1883, 1884, 1886, 1890, 1891, 1893, 1895, 1896, 1898, 1901,
1903, 1905, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911 (J. H.S.).
Nest. In a box or natural hole in a tree, or in the deserted
home of a woodpecker ; usually in an orchard but occasionally in
deep woods; 334 to 20 feet from the ground.
Eggs. 3-7, usually 4 or 5; the last of April.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. April 12, 1898, seven eggs
(Hill). Latest record. July 8, 1882, three eggs (L. B. B.).
White eggs have several times been found; e.g., May 30,
1876, Essex, four (H. W. F.); July 8, 1882, Guilford, three (L.
B. B.) ; May 23, 1892, Stamford (Rowell) ; April 28, 1898, New-
town, four (Canfield).
Although the Bluebird was almost exterminated in the winter
of 1895 by the long continued cold weather in the South, and was
consequently very rare that summer and in 1896, yet it had
regained its former abundance by 1808.
This-species while wintering has been found inside of a stack
of hay, Feb. 22, 1886 (L. B. B.), in an old Robin’s nest, Feb. 11,
1882 (L. B. B.), March 31, 1906 (E. S. W. and L. B. B.), in
a hollow post in mid-winter, about 1883 (Augur). It probably
chooses such sheltered places in which to pass the nights.
This species has been heard singing as early as Feb. 28 (1883),
and as late as Oct. 22 (1892), by L. B. B.
A male Bluebird of a brilliant cobalt-blue, like Florida speci-
mens, was taken April 13, 1901, New Haven, by L. B. B.
APPENDICES TO PART I.
1. CATALOGUE OF INTRODUCED SPECIES AND
DOUBTFUL SPECIES.
Chenalopex zgyptiaca (Linneus). Egyptian Goose.
‘Two were seen flying about the Connecticut river, at Portland,
Oct. 20, 1895, and one was shot. Both were undoubtedly escaped
tame birds; but they must have come from a distance, as none,
so far as is known, were ever kept within twenty miles of Port-
land.
Grus americana (Linneus). Whooping Crane.
Grus mexicana (Miiller). Sandhill Crane.
Though these species are reported by many of the earlier
writers on Natural History as more or less common in the sur-
rounding states, there seems to be no definite record of the cap-
ture of either in Connecticut. Undoubtedly both occurred when
the country was discovered, but there is little probability that
either has been taken within the last hundred years.
Erolia ferruginea (Briinnich). Curlew Sandpiper.
There are but two records of this species in this state, both
appearing in Merriam: one shot near Saybrook “some time
ago” (J. G. Ely, 1877), and one killed Oct. 3, 1859, East Hart-
ford (reported by Dr. D. Crary of Hartford). Neither of these ©
records can be considered absolutely trustworthy.
The record of Dr. Thompson, as reported by Merriam, was
proven later by L. C. S. to be that of a Stilt Sandpiper.
Coturnix coturnix (Linneus). European Quail. Migratory
Quail.
Numbers of these birds were liberated in 1878, at Lakeville,
by the Salisbury Bird and Fish Protective Company. They nested
1Merriam, Birds of Connecticut, p. 106.
183
t
184 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull ,
that year and also in 1879, but so far as we know none are now
to 'be found.
Perdix perdix (Linnzus). Gray Partridge.
During 1908 and 1909 about 3,000 birds of this species were
imported from Europe by our Game Commission and released
in different parts of Connecticut, and a large number in 1910.1 As
the majority brought to the United States came from Hungary,
this bird has become commonly known as the Hungarian Part-
ridge.
During 1909 a number were reported to have mated and raised
young, but the majority seem to have disappeared. However,
it is yet too soon to pronounce on the success of this attempt at
introducing a foreign game-bird into our state.
Tympanuchus cupido (Linnzus). Heath Hen.
Abundant in dry, bushy places in southern New England in
the days of the first white settlers, this species had been extermi-
nated in Connecticut before the time of Linsley, but was reported
to be still found in “ shrubby barrens in Westford, Connecticut,”
by Nuttall,? who wrote some ten years earlier.
Phasianus colchicus (Linneus). English Pheasant.
Phasianus torquatus Gmelin. Ring Pheasant.
Numbers of both these Pheasants were liberated by sportsmen
at various places in Connecticut at different times between 1890
and 1900; but none of them seems to have succeeded in becoming
acclimated, and almost all have disappeared.
The only records are: June 2, 1897, New Haven, one flushed
(L. B. B.); Dec. 27, 1901, Gaylordsville, one female found,
apparently killed by a hawk (E. H. A.) ; fall, 1904, some reported
seen in the Connecticut valley (according to J. E. Bassett).
Meleagris gallopavo silvestris (Viellot). Wild Turkey.
With a history somewhat similar to that of the Heath Hen,
and probably originally much more common over most of Con-
necticut, the Wild Turkey disappeared about the same date.
Linsley states: “The last wild turkey that I have known in
Connecticut, was taken by a relative of mine, about thirty years
since, on Totoket Mountain, in Northford. It was overtaken in
?Oldys, Yearbook Dept. Agriculture for 1909, pp. 255-6.
2Manual of the Ornithology of the United States and of Canada—the Land
Birds, 1832, p. 662.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 185
a deep snow, and thereby outrun. It weighed, when dressed,
twenty-one pounds.”
Sturnus vulgaris Linnzus. Starling.
An increasingly common resident.
This species was introduced into New York City in 18go,
whence it has spread from Central Park through the neighboring
country. It is constantly increasing in numbers, and is now
firmly established through various parts of the state, especially
along the coast.
Its spread may be shown by the following records of its first
occurrence: June 10, 1900, Norwalk (Ells),? also winter, 1900-1:
Aug. 25, 1900, Stamford (Smith, reported by Hoyt); Dec. 3,
1900, North Haven (L. B. B.); Jan., 1901, reported from Noro-
ton, Stamford, and Norwalk; Oct., 1901, New Haven (A. A.
S.) ;? winter, 1902-3, New Haven, five or six wintered; winter,
1903-4, about forty wintered ; fall, 1906, flock of about 1500 seen
(A. A. S. ); Jan., 1904, Bridgeport (Eames); spring, 1906,
Wethersfield (Morgan) ;? March, 1906, Danbury (J. C. A. M.);
1906, New London and Stonington (Buttrick); April, 1907,
Bethel (Judd) ;? June, 1907, Middletown (Cady); 1908, Port-
land (J. H. S.).
Since these records, they have increased very rapidly and are
breeding in large numbers. Mrs. Bonner writes from Stamford :*
“They have appropriated not only all the holes in the old apple
trees, including those stolen from the Bluebirds by the English
Sparrows, but also the holes in all the big lawn trees, hitherto
occupied by Flickers, etc.” It is not yet numerous in the interior
of the state.
Nest. In a hollow of some sort, or in a church steeple.
Eggs. 4-6; the last of April.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. May 5, 1904, six young
(Perry) ; May 2, 1910, three eggs (J. H. S.). Latest record.
July 11, 1904, two young (L. B. B.).
Carduelis carduelis (Linnzeus). European Goldfinch.
G. E. Verrill of New Haven writes in the Auk, ix, 3, p. 301:
“On May g, 1892, I took a very full-plumaged male European
1Catalogue of the Birds of Connecticut, Am. Jour. Sci. and Arts, xliv, z, p. 264,
1843.
2Bird-Lore, ix, 5, Pp. 207-9.
3Bird-Lore, ix, 4, P. 171.
186 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Goldfinch in an orchard near here. The bird was in full song,
and did not bear any evidence of having been in captivity, as it
was not particularly tame; the plumage was perfect, even to the
tips of the tail feathers, and the legs and feet were those of a
wild bird. It seems to me probable that it was a straggler from
some of the localities where they have been introduced and have.
become naturalized, as I have never seen any near here before.”
This is the only published record of this species in this state.
This specimen is now in the Peabody Museum. It was prob-
ably a wanderer, from a small colony in Central Park, New
York City.
‘Passer domesticus (Linneus). English Sparrow.
“Introduced into Boston by the city government in 1868 ”,?
by 1877 the English Sparrow was “an abundant resident in all
the larger and most of the smaller towns throughout the state
(Connecticut) .?
An abundant resident of the cities, villages, and farms, having
driven Martins and Bluebirds and Eave Swallows from their nest-
ing sites, as well as routing out other species by its warlike habits.
Nest. Breeds in any hole it can find, in martin-boxes, in holes
in trees, or in buildings. Wanting these, it will occupy a Cliff Swal-
low’s or Eave Swallow’s nest, or build rough nests behind window
blinds, in ivy on buildings, or in trees. Occasionally it adopts the
habit of woodpeckers, chipping out a hole for itself in a tree after
it has been started by a woodpecker (e. g., March 21, 1910,
L. B. B.).
Eggs. 4-6; early in April, and successively throughout the
summer.
Nesting dates. Earliest record. March 28, 1898, five eggs
(J. C. A. M.). Latest record. July 6, 1891, five eggs (J. C.
A.M). :
A set of five white eggs was taken, May 22, 1889, New Haven,
by C. F. Hedges, where another set had been found in the previ-
ous year.
Partial albinos are quite’ common, especially among young
birds.
1Baird, Brewer & Ridgway, Birds of North America, i, p. 526.
2Merriam, Birds of Connecticut, p. 40.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 187
Courting antics have been noticed as early (or late) as Dec.
24, 1903 (L. B. B.).
New Haven, Dec. 10, 1900, male with lower mandible gone and
upper grown to a remarkable length, taken (A. H. V., in coll. of
L. B. B.).
Guiraca cerulea cerulea (Linnzus). Blue Grosbeak.
Connecticut records: May 9, 1902, Bethel, male seen in an
orchard (Hamlin) ; summer, 1903, New Canaan, one seen (Mrs.
Neidé, recorded by Hoyt).
Vermivora lawrencei (Herrick). Lawrence’s Warbler.
Vermivora leucobronchialis (Brewster). Brewster’s War-
bler. :
Although it seems now beyond question that the birds called
by these names are not independent species, it has not yet been
conclusively shown whether they are hybrids between Vermivora
pinus and V. chrysoptera, or phases of plumage of these species.
Brewster’s Warbler completely intergrades with the Blue-winged,
while males at least of Lawrence’s show usually little variation
in plumage. As a very large proportion of the specimens of these
puzzling birds so far reported were taken in Connecticut, we have
tried to give here a summary of these records with the addition
of others. Brewster’s Warbler is much the more common.
Vermivora lawrencei. Greenwich, July 12, 1893, female
taken, with young in first plumage, by C. G. Voorhees. Stam-
ford, May 12, 1886, male taken, May 23, 1888, female taken, May
25, 1888, male taken (W. H. H., last two in coll. of L. H. P.);
May 25, 1905, male taken (L. B. B.). Greenfield Hills, May 31,
1906, male seen (E. S. W.). Danbury, 1900 (?), male taken
(J.C. A. M.). Bridgeport, May 16, 1889, male taken, spring of
1891, three seen, seven seen in one spring? (E. H. E.). New
Haven, May 21, 1888, female taken, May 13, 1891, male taken
(H. W. F., these in coll. of W. Brewster) ; May 17, 1892, male
taken (H. W. F.); May 15, 1896, male taken, May 21, 1902,
female, intermediate with V. chrysoptera mated with a male V.
pinus, taken (A. H. V., all in coll. of L. B. B.); May 13, 21,
1898, two males taken (A. H. V.); May 20, 1896, male taken,
1Auk, xi, 1, pp. 259-60.
2Auk, x, 1, p. 89.
188 CONNECTICUP GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. - [ Bull.
May 11, 1900, male taken, intermediate with V. chrysoptera, May
10, 1904, male taken, May 31, 1905, male taken, May 24, 1906,
male taken, May 20, 1909, male taken (these three within space
of 300 yards), June 4, 1909, male taken with mate female V.
pinus, and four eggs and two Cowbird’s eggs, May 21, 1912, male
taken (L. B. B.) ; May 29, 1906, male seen (J. Dwight, Jr., and
L. B. B.). Portland, May 14, 1887, May 16, 1894, May 10, 1895,
three males taken (S. R., all in coll. of J. H. S.).
Vermivora leucobronchialis. Wauregan (Plainfield), May
25, 1875, male taken (C. M. Carpenter).* Suffield, July 3, 1875,
male taken (E. I. Shores).2 Saybrook, May 30, 1879, male
taken,? spring of 1880, one seen, May 13, 1888, one seen, May
8, 1889, one taken,’ frequently seen and taken and nest found
(J. N. C.). Stamford, May 20, 1893, male taken (L. H. P.).
. Bridgeport, June 14, 1892, male seen mated with V. pinus, nest
contained four eggs, two of which were Cowbird’s (E. H. E.) ;°
fifteen males seen between Bridgeport and Seymour, spring of
1889 (E. H. E.); Seymour, May 26, 29, male taken, June 1, 4,
10, two, June 19, July 7, 1888, seen (E. H. E.).7 Milford, June 2,
1903, female taken with six eggs and one Cowbird’s egg (J. C.
A. M., female in coll. of L. B. B.). Deep River, May 18, 1880,
female taken.2 New Haven, May 19, 1885, male taken (H. W.
F., in coll. of J. H. S.), May 15, 1888, one seen, May 16, 1892,
male taken, May 17, 1892, two males taken, May 12, 1893, male
taken (H. W. F.); May, 1894, male taken (W. C. Morgan);
May 14, 1896, male taken, Mav 28, 1898, female taken, mated
with V. pinus, and five eggs, May 19, 1902, male taken (A. H.
V., all in coll. of L. B. B.); May (?), 1905, male taken (E. S.
W.); May 8-31, 1893, 1894, 1896, 1898, 1900, 1902, 1904, 1905,
1906, and 1910, nineteen males taken, one mated with V. pinus,
July 4, 1893, female taken with two young, slightly paler yellow
than V. pinus, May 24, 1904, female taken, June 10, 1904, female
1Bull. Nuttall Orn, Club, iii, z, p. 99.
2 Bull. Nuttall Orn, Club, iii, 4, pp. 199-200.
8Bull. Nuttall Orn. Club, iv, 3, p. 184.
4Random Notes on Natural Hist., ii, 6, p. 43.
50. and O., xiv, 8, p 119.
6Auk, x, 1, pp. 89-90.
TAuk, Vv, 4, Pp. 427-428.
8 Auk, i, 1, p. gt.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 189
taken with four young dead in the nest, Sept. 12, 1907, young
male taken, May 24, 1912, female taken (L: B. B.). Portland,
May 22, 1875, male taken (W. W. C.),? May 31, 1886, May 26,
1887, males taken, May Io, 1888, male taken and another seen,
June 10, 1889, May 24, 1890, May 15, 1891, males taken, June
13, 1891, one seen, May 13, 17, 1892, two males taken, May 30,
June 2-15, 1893, one seen, May 10, 12, 1894, three males taken,
May 25, 30, June 11, 1894, four males seen, June 23, 1894, female
taken mated with V. chrysoptera, and four eggs, May 13, 1895,
male taken, May 23, 30, 1896, May 13, 15, 17, 1899, May 14,
1900, May 12, 1901, seen, May 7, 1902, male taken, May 30, 1903,
May 18, 1907, seen, June 6, 1908, male taken (S. R. and J. H. S.);
May 27, 1904, male taken (L. B. B.). Waterbury, May 9, 1909,
one seen (N. B. Pillery) 2
Dr. Eames has found this bird mated with V. pinus alone, and
has found nests and watched the young develop into same
plumages as the juvenal of V. pinus.
Turdus pilaris (Linneus). Fieldfare.
Accidental. .
The only Connecticut record is that of a specimen taken near
Stamford in April, 1878,3 by Schaler, who states that its actions
were those of a wild bird. This specimen is now in the collection
of Hoyt, and from the condition of its plumage and feet had
certainly not been recently in captivity.
1Bull. Nuttall Orn. Club, iv, 3, p. 184.
2Bird-Lore, xii, 2, pp. 78-9.
30. and O., xiv, 3, p. 44. (The date here is incorrect.)
Igo CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY.
[Bull,
2. STATISTICAL SUMMARY.
‘ RESIDENTS.
Gavia immer*
Anas rubripes
Marila marila*
Marila affinis*
Harelda hyemalis*
Charitonetta albeola*
Oidemia deglandi*
Oidemia perspicillata*
Botaurus lentiginosus’
Rallus crepitans crépitans’
Philohela minor’
Gallinago delicata®
Oxyechus vociferus®
Colinus virginianus virginianus
Bonasa umbellus umbellus
Bonasa umbellus togata
Zenaidura macroura carolinensis
Circus hudsonius
Accipiter velox
Accipiter cooperi
Astur atricapillus atricapillus*
Buteo borealis borealis
Buteo lineatus lineatus
Halizetus leucocephalus
leucocephalus
Falco peregrinus anatum’
Falco sparverius sparverius
Aluco pratincola?
Asio wilsonianus
Asio flammeus’
Strix varia varia
Cryptoglaux acadica acadica*
Otus asio asio
Bubo virginianus virginianus
Ceryle alcyon?
Dryobates villosus villosus
Dryobates pubescens medianus
Sphyrapicus varius varius®
Phleotomus pileatus abieticola®
Melanerpes erythrocephalus?
1 Rare or accidental in summer.
2Rare or accidental in winter.
Colaptes auratus luteus?
Sayornis phcebe’
Otocoris alpestris praticola
Cyanocitta cristata cristata
Corvus brachyrhynchos
brachyrhynchos
Corvus ossifragus*
Molothrus ater ater’
Agelaius phceniceus phceniceus?
Sturnella magna magna
Quiscalus quiscula zneus®
Carpodacus purpureus purpureus”
Astragalinus tristis tristis
Pocecetes gramineus gramineus®
Passerculus sandwichensis savanna”
“Passerherbulus caudacutus?
Passerherbulus maritimus
maritimus’
Zonotrichia albicollis*
Spizella pusilla pusilla’
Junco hyemalis hyemalis*
Melospiza melodia melodia
Melospiza georgiana’
Pipilo erythrophthalmus
erythrophthalmus?
Iridoprocne bicolor?
Bombycilla cedrorum
Lanius ludovicianus migrans*
Dumetella carolinensis?
Toxostoma rufum?
Thryothorus lydovicianus
ludovicianus
Nannus hiemalis hiemalis*
Telmatodytes palustris palustris?
Sitta carolinensis carolinensis
Sitta canadensis*
Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus
Hylocichla guttata pallasi®
Planesticus migratorius migratorius
Sialia sialis sialis
3 Rare or accidental both in summer and{in
winter.
No. 20.]
Phasianus colchicus
Phasianus torquatus
Perdix perdix
THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. Igi
Sturnus vulgaris
Passer domesticus
SUMMER RESIDENTS.!
Podilymbus podiceps
Sterna hirundo
Sterna dougalli
Aix sponsa
Ixobrychus exilis
Ardea herodias herodias
Butorides virescens virescens
Nycticorax nycticorax nevius
Rallus elegans
Rallus virginianus
Porzana carolina
Creciscus jamaicensis
Bartramia longicauda
Actitis macularia
Ectopistes migratorius”
Buteo platypterus
Pandion haliaétus carolinensis
Coccyzus americanus americanus
Coccyzus erythrophthalmus
Antrostomus vociferus vociferus
Chordeiles virginianus virginianus
Chetura pelagica
Archilochus colubris
Tyrannus tyrannus
Myiarchus crinitus
Nuttallornis borealis
Myiochanes virens
Empidonax virescens
Empidonax trailli alnorum
Empidonax minimus
Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Icterus spurius
Icterus galbula
Quiscalus quiscula quiscula
Ammodramus savannarum
australis
Passerherbulus henslowi henslowi
Spizella passerina passerina
Zamelodia ludoviciana
Passerina cyanea
Spiza americana?
Piranga erythromelas
Progne subis subis
Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons
Hirundo erythrogastra
Riparia riparia
Stelgidopteryx serripennis
Vireosylva olivacea
Vireosylva gilva gilva
Lanivireo flavifrons
Lanivireo solitarius solitarius
Vireo griseus griseus
Mniotilta varia
Helmitheros vermivorus
Vermivora pinus
Vermivora chrysoptera
Vermivora rubricapilla rubricapilla
Compsothlypis americana usnez
Dendroica zstiva estiva
Dendroica cerulescens czrulescens
Dendroica magnolia
Dendroica pensylvanica
Dendroica fusca
Dendroica virens
Dendroica vigorsi
Dendroica discolor
Seiurus aurocapillus
Seiurus motacilla
Oporornis formosus
Geothlypis trichas trichas
Icteria virens virens
Wilsonia citrina
Wilsonia canadensis
Setophaga ruticilla
1Besides those included in list of residents.
2Extinct in Connecticut.
192
Mimus polyglottos polyglottos
Troglodytes aédon aédon
Cistothorus stellaris
CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY.
[Bull.
Hylocichla mustelina
Hylocichla fuscescens fuscescens
WINTER RESIDENTS.?
Colymbus holbcelli
Colymbus auritus
Gavia stellata
Larus marinus
‘Larus argentatus
Mergus americanus
Mergus serrator
Anas platyrhynchos
Mareca americana
Nettion carolinense
Marila americana
Clangula clangula americana
Branta canadensis canadensis
Branta bernicla glaucogastra
Arquatella maritima maritima
Totanus melanoleucus
Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis
Halizetus leucocephalus .
alascanus
Falco columbarius columbarius
PERIODICAL
Podilymbus podiceps
Larus delawarensis
Larus philadelphia
Phalacrocorax carbo
Phalacrocorax auritus auritus
Lophodytes cucullatus
Anas platyrhynchos
Anas rubripes
Mareca americana
Nettion carolinense
Querquedula discors
Dafila acuta
Aix sponsa
Marila americana
Marila marila
Nyctea nyctea
Otocoris alpestris alpestris
Otocoris alpestris hoyti
Pinicola enucleator leucura
Loxia curvirostra minor
Loxia leucoptera
Acanthis linaria linaria
Spinus pinus
Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis
Calcarius lapponicus lapponicus
Passerculus princeps
Spizella monticola monticola
Passerella iliaca iliaca
Lanius borealis
Dendroica coronata
Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea
Anthus rubescens
Certhia familiaris americana
Regulus satrapa satrapa
VISITORS,2
Marila affinis
Oidemia americana
Oidemia deglandi
-Oidemia perspicillata
Erismatura jamaicensis
Branta canadensis canadensis
Branta bernicla glaucogastra
Botaurus lentiginosus
Ixobrychus exilis
Ardea herodias herodias
Rallus virginianus
Porzana carolina
Coturnicops noveboracensis
Gallinula galeata
Fulica americana
1 Besides those included in list of residents.
2 Species occurring chiefly in the spring or fall migration.
A number of the
names in this list are included zlso in the previous lists.
No. 20.]
Philohela minor
Gallinago delicata
Macrorhamphus griseus griseus
Arquatella maritima maritima
Pisobia maculata
Pisobia fuscicollis
Pisobia minutilla
Pelidna alpina sakhalina
Ereunetes pusillus
Calidris leucophea
Totanus melanoleucus
Totanus flavipes
Helodromas solitarius solitarius
Bartramia longicauda
Numenius hudsonicus
Squatarola squatarola
Charadrius dominicus dominicus
Oxyechus vociferus
Egialitis semipalmata
fEgialitis meloda
Arenaria interpres morinella
Ectopistes migratorius?
Circus hudsonius
Accipiter velox
Accipiter cooperi
Buteo borealis borealis
Buteo platypterus
Halizetus leucocephalus
leucocephalus
Falco peregrinus anatum
Falco columbarius columbarius
Falco sparverius sparverius
Pandion haliaétus carolinensis ,
Asio flammeus
Sphyrapicus varius varius
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Colaptes auratus luteus
Chordeiles virginianus virginianus
Nuttallornis borealis
Empidonax flaviventris
Empidonax trailli alnorum
Euphagus carolinus
Quiscalus quiscula zneus
Carpodacus purpureus purpureus
Spinus pinus
Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis
1 Probably extinct.
13
THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 193
Calcarius lapponicus lapponicus
Passerculus princeps
Passerculus sandwichensis savanna
Passerherbulus nelsoni nelsoni
Passerherbulus nelsoni subvirgatus
Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys
Zonotrichia albicollis
Junco hyemalis hyemalis
Melospiza lincolni lincolni
Melospiza georgiana
Passerella iliaca iliaca
Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons
Iridoprocne bicolor
Riparia riparia
Lanius ludovicianus migrans
Vireosylva philadelphica
Lanivireo solitarius solitarius
Mniotilta varia
Vermivora rubricapilla rubricapilla
Vermivora celata celata
Vermivora peregrina
Compsothlypis americana usneze
Dendroica tigrina
Dendroica cerulescens cerulescens
Dendroica coronata
Dendroica magnolia
Dendroica castanea
Dendroica striata
Dendroica fusca
Dendroica virens
Dendroica vigorsi
Dendroica palmarum palmarum
Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea
Seiurus noveboracensis
noveboracensis
Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis
Oporornis agilis s
Oporornis philadelphia
Wilsonia pusilla pusilla
Wilsonia canadensis
Anthus rubescens
Nannus hiemalis hiemalis
Certhia familiaris americana
Sitta canadensis
Regulus satrapa satrapa
194
Regulus calendula calendula
Hylocichla alicie alicize
Hylocichla alicize bicknelli
CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY.
{Bull.
Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni
Hylocichla guttata pallasi
ACCIDENTAL VISITORS.
Cepphus grylle
Uria lomvia lomvia
Alca torda
Alle alle
Stercorarius parasiticus
Stercorarius longicaudus
Rissa tridactyla tridactyla
Larus leucopterus
Larus kumlieni
Larus atricilla
Sterna paradisza
Sterna antillarum
Sterna fuscata
Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis
Rynchops nigra
Fulmarus glacialis glacialis
Puffinus gravis
Oceanodroma leucorhoa
Oceanites oceanicus
Sula leucogastra
Sula bassana
Pelecanus occidentalis
Fregata aquila
Chaulelasmus streperus
Spatula clypeata
Marila valisineria
Marila collaris :
Clangula islandica
Histrionicus histrionicus
Camptorhynchus labradorius*
Somateria dresseri
Somateria spectabilis
Chen hyperboreus nivalis
Branta canadensis hutchinsi
Olor columbianus
Guara alba
Plegadis autumnalis
Herodias egretta
Egretta candidissima candidissima
Florida cerulea
1Extinct,
2 Possibly extinct.
Crex crex
Ionornis martinicus
Phalaropus fulicarius
Lobipes lobatus
Steganopus tricolor
Recurvirostra americana
Macrorhamphus griseus scolopaceus
Micropalama himantopus
Tringa canutus
Pisobia bairdi
Ereunetes mauri
Limosa fedoa
Limosa hemastica
Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
semipalmatus
Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
inornatus
Tryngites subruficollis
Numenius americanus
Numenius borealis”
Ochthodromus wilsonius
Hematopus palliatus
Cathartes aura septentrionalis
Catharista urubu
Elanoides forficatus
Aquila chrysaétos
Falco rusticolus obsoletus
Scotiaptex nebulosa nebulosa
Cryptoglaux funerea richardsoni
Surnia ulula caparoch
Picoides arcticus
Centurus carolinus
Antrostomus carolinensis
Muscivora forficata
Corvus corax principalis
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
Agelaius phceniceus fortis
Hesperiphona vespertina
vespertina
Acanthis hornemanni exilipes
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 195
Acanthis linaria rostrata Dendroica cerulea
Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis Mimus polyglottos polyglottos
Piranga ludoviciana Beolophus bicolor
Piranga rubra rubra Penthestes hudsonicus hudsonicus
Bombycilla garrula Polioptila cerulea cerulea
Protonotaria citrea Hylocichla fuscescens salicicola
RECAPITULATION
Residents, 80 Transient Visitors, 124
Summer Residents, 78 Accidental Visitors, 89
Winter Residents, 38 ae
Total, 334°
JIncluding 5 introduced species. In this total each name is counted only once.
196 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [ Bull.
3. LIST OF OBSERVERS REFERRED TO BY INITIALS
OR BY SURNAMES.
Initials Name Location
C. K. A. C. K. Averill Bridgeport
C.K. A, Jr. C.K. Averill Bridgeport
E, H. A. E. H. Austin Stratford and Gaylordsville
H. W. B. H. W. Beers Bridgeport
L. B. B. Dr. L. B. Bishop New Haven
J. N.C. *J, N. Clark Saybrook
W.I.C. W. I. Comstock Norwalk
W. W. C. *W. W. Coe Portland
E, H. E. Dr. E. H. Eames Bridgeport and Seymour
H. W. F. H. W. Flint Deep River and New Haven
A. J. G. A. J. Granniss East Haven
H. T. G. H. T. Gates Hartford
A. W. H. A. W. Honeywill, Jr. New Haven
Cc. C. H. C. C. Hanmer East Hartford
C. G. H. Cc. G. Hart East Berlin
Cc. R. H. C. R. Hooker New Haven
G. L. H. G. L. Hamlin Bridgeport
J. H. H. J. H. Hill New London
P. B. H. P. B. Haines New Haven
S. T. H. *S. T. Holbrook Norwich
W. #H. 4H. W. H. Hoyt Stamford
H. K. J. Rev. H. K. Job Kent and New Haven
CE L. *C, E. Lincoln Gildersleeve
J.C. A.M. J. C. A. Meeker Bridgeport and Danbury
Cc. H.N. *C. H. Neff Portland
G., H...P: C. H. Pangburn New Haven
D. B. P. D. B. Pangburn New Haven
L. H. P. L. H. Porter Stamford
cL. R. C. L. Rawson Norwich
S. R. S. Robinson Portland
A. A. S. A. A. Saunders New Haven
J. H.S. J. H. Sage Portland
LCoS, Dr. L. C. Sanford New Haven
CeG, a Prof. C. C. Trowbridge New Haven
W. E. T. W. E. Treat East Hartford
A. E. V. Prof. A. E. Verrill New Haven
A. H. V. A. H. Verrill New Haven
* Deceased.
No. 20.]
—
S
cf,
2
n
BP Suet
zh SBA
= #22!
WwW.
Surname
Adam
Andrews
Augur
Austin
Averill
Ayres
Bailey
Baldwin
Barratt
Beers
Bernard
Blackwood
Bliss
Brewster
Brockway
Brooks
Bruen
Buck
Buttrick
Cady
Camp
Canfield
Carpenter
Case
Case
Clark
Crary
Dayan
Dickerman
Dunbar
Dutcher
Eames
Flint
Folsom
Gabriel
Gath
Goff
THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 197
Name Location
G. E. Verrill New Haven
C. W. Webb New Haven
*E, S. Woodruff New Haven and Litchfield
C. L. Rawson Norwich
(Jennie May Whipple)
L. B. Woodruff New Haven and Litchfield
Dr. W. Wood East Windsor Hill
Name Location
Sarah W. Adam Canaan
A. R. Andrews New Haven
Cc. R. Augur Woodbridge
E. H. Austin Stratford and Gaylordsville
C. K. Averill, Jr. Bridgeport
*Dr. W. O. Ayres East Hartford
A. S. Bailey Cobalt
A. H. Baldwin New Haven
*Dr. J. Barratt Middletown
H. W. Beers Bridgeport
G. H. Bernard New Haven
W. Blackwood New Haven
W. P. Bliss Middletown
W. Brewster Cambridge, Mass.
A, W. Brockway Hadlyme
*Capt. O. N. Brooks Guilford
F. Bruen Bristol
H. R. Buck Wethersfield
P. L. Buttrick New Haven
Prof. W. G. Cady Middletown
R. D. Camp New Haven and Stamford
*J. H. Canfield Bridgeport
C. M. Carpenter Wauregan
C. M. Case Hartford
*G, R. Case Norwich
*J. N. Clark Saybrook
*Dr. D. Crary Hartford
*A. J. Dayan New Haven
G. Dickerman Danbury
W. L. Dunbar Bridgeport
J. S. Dutcher Watertown
Dr. E. H. Eames Bridgeport and Seymour
H. W. Flint Deep River and New Haven
*E, A, Folsom New Haven
G. H. Gabriel Hartford
J. Gath Torrington
J. L. Goff Portland
198
Surname
Goodrich
Gould
Grinnell
Hall
Hamlin
Hanson
Hedges
Herman
Hill
Holt
Hooker
Hotchkiss
Howes
Hoyt
Humphrey
Hurlbut
Hurlbut
Hutchins
Job
Judd
Judd
Kedzie
King
Lester
Linsley
Locke
Lucas
Ludington
Ludington
McCook
Merriam
Miles
Minor
Mitchell
Morgan
Moses
Nichols
Norton
Osborne
Osborne
Pangburn
Pangburn
Parkinson
Parsons
Pease
Perry
CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT.
Name
C. W. Goodrich
*F, H. R. Gould
Dr. G. B. Grinnell
*Dr. F. W. Hall
G. H. Hamlin
W. Hanson
C. F. Hedges
O. Herman
J. H. Hill
J. Holt
C. R. Hooker
*Dr. W. H. Hotchkiss
P. G. Howes
W. H. Hoyt
*H. C. Humphrey
H. M. Hurlbut
*Seymour Hurlbut
J. Hutchins
Rev. H. K. Job
Rev. H. C. Judd
R. S. Judd
A. S. Kedzie
L. E. King
M. Lester
*Rev. J. H. Linsley
J. Locke
*W.H. Lucas
F, J. Ludington
H. Ludington
P. J. McCook
Dr. C. H. Merriam
W. A. Miles
W. T. Minor
E. Mitchell
W. C. Morgan
*S. G. Moses
*W.-R. Nichols
R. Norton
A. D. Osborne, 3d.
T. B. Osborne
C. H. Pangburn
D. B. Pangburn
Dr. G. H. Parkinson
*L. J. Parsons
C. H. Pease
Dr. E. Perry, Jr.
HIST. SURVEY. {Bull.
Location
New Hzven
Portland
New Haven and Milford
New Haven
Bridgeport
Torrington
New Haven
New Haven
New London
Lyme
New Haven
New Haven
Stamford
Stamford
Hartford
Portland
Portland
Litchfield
Kent and New Haven
Bethel
Bethel
New Haven
Middletown
Suffield
Stratford
New Haven
Bridgeport
North Haven
North Haven
Niantic
New Haven
Twin Lakes
New Haven
New Haven
New Haven
Hartford
Branford
Guilford
New Haven
New Haven
New Haven
New Haven
Middletown
New Haven
Canaan
Bridgeport
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 199
Surname Name Location
Porter L. H. Porter Stamford
Powers A. G. Powers Hartford
Prior C. E. Prior Jewett City
Rawson C. L. Rawson Norwich
Reynolds Prof. H. M. Reynolds New Haven
Robbins W. A. Robbins New Haven
Robertson J. B. Robertson New Haven
Rowell Dr. C. Rowell Stamford
St. John Prof. E. P. St. John Hartford
Sanford H. Sanford Litchfield
Schaler J. Schaler Stamford
. Searles E. Searles New Haven
Sherman F. Sherman New Haven
Shores Dr. E. I. Shores Suffield
Smith E. Smith Bristol
Smith G. V. Smith New Haven
Smith M. T. Smith Hartford
Smith Prof. S. I. Smith New Haven
Smith W. F. Smith South Norwalk
Silliman *Prof. B. Silliman New Haven
Sperry *K, Sperry New Haven
Stetson J. Y. Stetson New Haven
Stetson Dr. P. R. Stetson New Haven
Strong N. B. Strong Portland
Sweetland A. R. Sweetland
Taylor H. H. Taylor Bridgeport
Thompson Dr. E. L. R. Thompson New Haven
Townsend H. H. Townsend New, Haven
Trowbridge Prof. C. C. Trowbridge New Haven
Tryon *E, S. Tryon Portland
Uhl J. Uhl Montowese
Verrill Prof. A. E. Verrill New Haven
Voorhees C. G. Voorhees Greenwich
Watrous C. H. Watrous Chester
Webb C. W. Webb New Haven
Welch L. S. Welch Hartford
Werking F, J. Werking Taftsville
Whitney H. Whitney New Haven
Wildman F, J. Wildman Guilford
Williams C. H. Williams Winchester
Woolsey Dr. G. Woolsey New Haven
200 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [ Bull.
4. BIBLIOGRAPHY.
This list is far from complete, but it is believed to contain
most of the important books and articles treating on Connecticut
birds. The names of authors are arranged alphabetically, and
the titles cited under the name of each author are arranged
chronologically. The works on economic ornithology, quoted in
the chapter on that subject, have, as a rule, been omitted here.
Abbott, S. L.
1842. Remarks on Exhibition of some Birds from Con-
necticut.— Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., i, p. 56.
Adam, Sarah W.
gil. Evening Grosbeaks at Canaan.— Bird-Lore, xiii,
2, p. 94.
Adams, Prof. Charles C.
1902. Postglacial Origin and Migration of the Life of
the Northeastern United States—Journ. of
Geog., i, 7, pp. 303-310.
Alcott, William P.
1870. Albino Snow Bird-— Am. Nat., iv, 6, p. 376.
Allen, Glover M., Ph.D.
1909. Fauna of New England. 11. List of the Aves.—
Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Occasional Papers, vii.
Allen, Joel Asaph, Ph.D.
1860-3. Birds of New England—New England Farmer,
25 articles.
1864. Catalogue of the Birds found at Springfield, Mass.
— Proc. Essex Inst., iv, 2, pp. 48-49.
1865. Notes on the Habits and Distribution of the Duck
Hawk, or American Peregrine Falcon, in the
Breeding Season, and Description of the Eggs.
— Proc. Essex Inst., iv, pp. 153-161.
1868. Notes on the Red and Mottled Owls——Am. Nat.,
il, 6, PP. 327-329.
No. 20.]
THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 201
1869-70. Notes on some of the Rarer Birds of Massa-
1871.
1878.
1880.
1881.
1881.
1883.
1883.
1885.
1886.
1886.
1905.
chusetts— Am. Nat., ili, 10, pp. 505-519; II,
pp. 568-585; 12, pp. 631-648.
On the Mammals and Winter Birds of East
Florida, with an examination of certain assumed
Specific Characters in Birds, and a Sketch of
the Bird-Fauna of Eastern North America.—
Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., ii, 3, pp. 161-450; pls.
Iv-viii.
A List of the Birds of Massachusetts with anno-
tations.— Bull. Essex Inst., x, pp. 3-37.
Notice of Connecticut Records in Familiar Sct.
and Fanciers’ Journ., vols. v and vi— Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Club, v. 2, pp. 113-114.
The Connecticut Warbler—a Correction.— Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Club, vi, 2, p. 114.
A Second Massachusetts Specimen of the Red-
bellied Woodpecker.— Bull. Nuit. Orn. Club, vi,
3, p. 183.
Notices of Connecticut Records in the Ornithologist
and Odlogist, Vol. vi, by J. H. Sage, J. N.
Clark, Miss Wood, C. L. Rawson, C. M. Jones,
S. T. Holbrook, and J. M. Wade.— Bull. Nutt.
Orn. Club, viii, 3, pp. 173-177.
Notices of Connecticut Records in the Ornitholo gist
and Odlogist, Vol. vii— Bull Nuit. Orn. Club,
Vill, 4, Ppp. 234-237.
Notices of Connecticut Records in the Ornitholo gist
and Odlogist, Vol. viii— Auk, ii, 1, pp. 96-101.
Notices of Connecticut Records in Random Notes
on Natural History, Vols. i, ii— Auk, iii, 2, pp.
271-272. |
A Revised List of the Birds of Massachusetts.—
Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., i, 7, pp. 221-271.
Platt on the Birds of Meriden, Conn.— Auk, iv,
2, p. 154.
The Loggerhead Shrike in Connecticut in Winter.
— Auk, xxii, 2, p. 211.
202 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Allis, Alice L.
1911. Evening Grosbeaks at Norwichtown.— Bird-Lore,
xiii, 4, p. 209.
American Ornithologists’ Union.
1886. The Code of Nomenclature and Check-List of
North American Birds, adopted by the American
Ornithologists’ Union,
1895. Check-List of North American Birds, prepared by
a Committee of the American Ornithologists’
Union. Second and Revised Edition.
1g1o. Check-List of North American Birds, prepared by
a Committee of the American Ornithologists’
Union. Third Edition, revised.
.
Arnold, Mary Hazen.
1901. One Summer with a Fairy Housekeeper Am.
Ornith., i, 10, pp. 195-197.
Audubon, J. J.
1840-44. The Birds of America, from Drawings made in
i the United States and their Territories.
Austin, E. H.
1888. An Early Yellow Rail— March 24.— Forest and
Stream, Xxx, Il, p. 205.
Averill, C. K., Jr.
1884. Fox Sparrow in Winter.— O, and O., ix, 2, p. 22.
1884. Two Connecticut Rarities— O. and O., ix, 9, pp.
III-112.
1885. The Northern Shrike as a Singer—O. and O.,
x, 4, DP. 53-
1888. The Yellow Rail in Connecticut— Auk, v, 3, Pp.
319.
1889. The Loggerhead Shrike at Bridgeport, Conn.—
Auk, vi, I, p. 74.
1889. Tringa bairdit on Long Island Sound.— Auk, vi,
2, p. 189.
1889. Correction of Vol. vi, p. 74.— Auk, vi, 2, p. 192.
1890. The Evening Grosbeak in Connecticut Auk,
vii, 2, p. 211.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 203
1891. Briinnich’s Murre in Connecticut— Auk, viii, 3,
Pp. 307.
1892. List of Birds found in the vicinity of Bridgeport,
Conn.— Bridgeport Scientific Society.
Ayres, Dr. W. O.
1854. Hirundo lunifrons at Hartford in 1833.— Proc.
Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., iv, p. 270.
B., H. W.— See Beers, Henry W.
B., W. H.
1884. Red-winged Blackbird Nesting in Bushes.— Young
Odlogist, i, 11, pp. 149-150.
Baird, Spencer F., Brewer, T. M., and Ridgway, Robert.
1874. A History of North American Birds — Land Birds.
1884. A History of North American Birds — Water
Birds.
Baird, Spencer F., Cassin, John, and Lawrence, George N.
1858. Report on Explorations and Surveys for a Railroad
from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean.
Vol. ix, Pt. ii, Birds.
Baird, Spencer F., Cassin, John, and Lawrence, George N.
1870. The Birds of North America. Vol. i, text; Vol.
ii, plates.
Ball, Jennie C.
1905. How the Birds Come.— Bird-Lore, vii, 6, p. 280.
Barratt, Dr. J.
1850. Black Egyptian Ibis (a Rare Bird), called also
Glossy Ibis, [bis falcinella— Sentinel and Wit-
ness (Middletown), xxviii, 1430.
Barrows, Prof. Walter B.
1884. Abnormal Coloration in a Caged Robin — Auk,
i, I, p. 90.
1885. Abnormal Coloration in a Caged Robin.— Auk,
ii, 3, Pp. 303.
1885. Another Black Robin.— Auk, ii, 3, p. 303.
1889. The English Sparrow in North America— U. S.
Dept. Agriculture, Division of Economic Ornith.
and Mamm., Bull. 1.
204 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
1889. The Food of Crows.—Ann. Report Dept. Agri-
culture for 1888, pp. 498-535.
Barrows, Walter B., and Schwarz, E. A.
1895. The Common Crow of the United States —U. S.
Dept. Agriculture, Division of Economic Ornith.
and Mamm., Bull. 6.
Batchelder, Charles F.
1890. An Early Yellow Rail— Auk, vii, 4, p. 389.
Beers, Henry W.
1891. Hawks’ Nests.— O. and O., xvi, 2, p. 26.
1892. Nesting of the Great Horned Owl.— O. and O.,
Xvii, 4, p. 57.
1892. A Day in the Woods.— O. and O., xvii, 5, pp.
68-69.
19g1I. Set'of Three Eggs of the Great Horned Owl.—
Odlogist, xxviii, 4, p. 79.
Bendire, Major Charles.
1892. Life Histories of North American Birds, with
special reference to their Breeding Habits and
Eggs. Part I. Gallinaceous Birds, Pigeons
or Doves, Birds of Prey—U. S. Nat. Mus.
Special Bull. No. 1.
1895. Same. Part II. Psittaceous Birds, Picarian Birds,
Picine Birds, Macrochirine Birds, Passerine
Birds.— U. S. Nat. Mus. Special Bull. No. 3.
Betts, A. E.
1892. Late Nesting of Barn Swallows, Sept. 3d— O. and
O., xvii, II, p. 172.
Betts, Norman de W.
1910. Pied-Billed Grebe Nesting in Connecticut.— Bird-
Lore, xii, 5, p. 199.
Bishop, Louis B., M. D.
1885. Ipswich Sparrow in Connecticut—O. and O., x,
2, p. 30.
1889. Helminthophila pinus, H. chrysoptera, H. leuco-
bronchialis, and H. lawrencet in Connecticut in
the Spring of 1888.— Auk, vi, 2, p. 192.
No. 20.]
1894.
1894.
1894.
1894.
1895.
1895.
1895.
1899.
1899.
1900.
. IQOT.
IQOT.
1go!.
Igor.
1gOI.
Qo.
1902.
THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 205
. The Breeding of Brewster’s Warbler.— Abst. Linn.
Soc., N. Y., vi. p. 10.
Olor columbianus in Connecticut.— Auk, xi, I,
P- 74.
iH ydrochelidon nigra surinamensis in Connecticut.
— Auk, xi, 1, p. 74.
Helminthophila leucobronchialis— female with two
young.— Auk, xi, I, p. 79.
Remarks on the Nest of Cistothorus palustris.—
Auk, xi, 1, p. 80.
Aythya marila or A. m. nearctica? — Auk, xii, 3,
P. 293-
An apparently Undescribed Plumage of Ozdemia
perspicillata— Auk, xxi, 3, p. 295.
Lanius ludovicianus migrans and Tryngites
subruficollis in Connecticut.— Abst. Linn. Soc.,
N. Y., viii, p. 4.
Loggerhead Shrike at New Haven.— Abst. Linn.
Soc., N. Y., xi, p. 5.
Series of Brewster’s Warblers taken near New
Haven.— Abst. Linn, Soc., N. Y., xi, p. 7.
Catbird taken at Guilford, Jan. 24, 1900.— Abst.
Linn. Soc., N. Y., xii, p. 7.
Rachitis in Young Red-shouldered Hawks.— Auk,
XVill, 2, p. 192.
The European Starling in Connecticut. Auk, xviii,
2, p. 194.
Acanthis linaria rostrata and Xanthocephalus
santhocephalus in Connecticut.—Auk, xviii, 2,
P- 195-
Deformity of Maxilla in the 'House Sparrow.—
Auk, xviii, 2, p. 195.
The Winter Birds of Pea Island, North Carolina —
Auk, xviii, 3, pp. 260-268.
A new Sharp-tailed Finch from North Carolina.—
Auk, xviti, 3, pp. 269-270.
Migration at New Haven.— Abst. Linn. Soc., N.
Y., xill, pp. 4-5.
206 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. {Bull.
1902.
1902.
1902.
1902.
1902.
1903.
1904.
1905.
1905.
1906.
1907.
1907.
1908.
1910.
IQIo.
Starling taken at New Haven, Dec. 3, 1900—
Abst. Linn. Soc., N. Y., xiii, p. 6.
Greater Redpoll etc. at New Haven— Abst. Linn.
Soc., N. Y., xiii, p. 6.
Winter Records in Connecticut.— Abst. Linn. Soc.,
N. ¥., xiv, p. Io. :
The Summer Birds of Warren, Conn.— Abst. Linn.
Soc., N. Y., xiv, p. II.
Barred Owl’s and Red-shouldered Hawk’s Eggs
in the same Nest.— Abst. Linn. Soc., N. Y.,
XIV, p. 12. ‘
The Water-Fow! Family.
Barred Owl and Red-shouldered Hawk laying in
the same Nest for two Years.— Abst. Linn. Soc.,
N. Y., xv, p. 4.
The Status of Helminthophila leucobronchialis and
Helminthophila lawrencei— Auk. xxii, 1, pp.
21-24.
The Direction of Flight in the Fall Migration at
New Haven, Conn.— Auk, xxii, 4, pp. 372-378.
Notes from Connecticut.— Auk, xxili, 3, p. 344.
Short-eared Owl and Holbcell’s Grebe in Connecti-
cut.—Abst. Linn. Soc., N. Y., xvii, p. 9.
Direction of Flight in Fall Migration at. New
Haven, and Notes from Connecticut.— Abst.
Linn, Soc., N. Y., xvii, p. 9.
List of the Birds of the New Haven Region.—
New Haven Bird Club, Bull. 1.
Two New Sub-species of North American Birds.—
Auk, xxvii, I, pp. 59-63.
Notes from Connecticut.—Auk, xxvii, 4, p. 462. *
Bonaparte, Charles Lucien J. L.— See Wilson, Alexander.
Bonner, Mrs. Paul R.
1907.
1907.
Notes on the Starling.— Bird-Lore, ix, 4, pp. 171-
172.
Trapping English Sparrows.— Bird-Lore, ix, 5 pp.
211-213.
No. 20.]
THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 207
Brandegee, Robert B.
1893.
1893.
1908.
The Birds of Berlin [Conn.].— Berlin News, iii,
2, p. 2.
The Hawks of Berlin [Conn.]— Berlin News,
iii, 4.
The Farmington Mountain Reservation.— Bird-
Lore, x, 4, p. 191.
Brewer, Thomas M., M.D.
1856.
1869.
1875.
1878.
1879.
1880.
Raptores and Fissirostres—— Smithson. Contrib. to
Knowledge. North American Odlogy, Part 1.
Seaside Ornithology.— Am. Nat., iii, 5, pp. 225-235.
Catalogue of the Birds of New England.— Proce.
Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., xvii, pp. 430-454.
Notes on Certain Species of New England Birds,
with additions to his Catalogue of the: Birds
of New England.— Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist.,
Xix, Pp. 301-309.
Some additional notes upon Birds observed in New
England.— Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., xx, pp.
263-277.
Blue-winged Yellow Warbler in New England—
Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, v, 1, p. 48.
See also Baird, Spencer F.
Brewster, C. E.— See Oldys, Henry; Palmer, T. S.
Brewster, William.
1877.
1884.
1895.
1895.
Merriam’s “ Review of the Birds of Connecticut.”
— Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, ii, 4, p. 107.
Description of the female of Helminthophaga leu-
cobronchialis.— Auk, i, I, p. 9I.
Minot’s “ The Land Birds and Game Birds of New
England.” Second Edition.
A Remarkable Flight of Pine Grosbeaks.— Auk,
xii, 3, PP- 245-256.
See also Minot, H. D.
Brockway, Arthur W.
1898.
1898.
The Turkey Vulture in Connecticut Auk, xv, 1,
Pp. 53.
Carolina Wren at Lyme, Conn.— Auk, xv, 2, p.
192.
208 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
1898. Carolina Wren at Lyme, Conn.— Auk, xv, 3, p.
274.
1899. The Little Blue Heron in Connecticut.— Auk, xvi,
4, P- 351.
1899. Odd Nesting of Maryland Yellow-throat— Auk,
xvi, 4, p. 360.
1909. Spring Migration at Hadlyme.— Hartford Times,
June 7.
1910. A Carolina Wren in New London County, Conn.—
Auk, xxvii, 2, p. 213.
Brown, Nathan Clifford.
1882. An Addition to the Maine Fauna.— Bull. Nutt.
Orn. Club, vii, 1, p. 60.
1882. The King Rail in New England.— Bull, Nutt.
Orn. Club, vii, 2, p. 124.
Browne, F. C.
1887. The New England Glossy Ibises of 1850.— Auk,
iv, 2, pp. 97-100.
Bruen, Frank.
1902. Some Bluebird Boxes and Troubles.— Wilson
Bulletin, No. 41, xiv, 4, pp. 121-123.
1902. Winter Birds of Bristol, Conn., and Vicinity.—
Wilson Bulletin, No. 41, xiv, 4, p. 132.
1903. The New Year’s Day Bird Census at Bristol—
Wilson Bulletin, No. 42, xv, 1, p. 27.
1904. The New Year’s Day Bird Census at Bristol_—
Wilson Bulletin, No. 46, xvi, 1, p. 16.
1905. Transplanting a Robin.— Wilson Bulletin, No. 50,
XVli, I, p. 25.
1905. Moving a Wren’s Home.— Wilson Bulletin, No.
50, xvii, I, p. 26.
1907. Notes from Bristol, Conn.— Wilson Bulletin, No.
61, xix, 4, p. 162.
Buck, Henry R.
1893. A Nest of Hen Hawks.—O. and O., xviii, 10, pp.
133-135.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 209
1894. An Odlogist of Early Day. —Odlogist, xi, 10, p.
305.
1896. The Breeding of Warbling and Yellow-throated
F Vireos.— Wilson Bulletin, No. 11, pp. 4-5.
1897. Nest built by Ospreys near Hartford, Conn.—
Osprey, i, 10, p. 130.
1897. An Osprey’s Nest at Hartford, Conn.— Osprey,
i, II-12, p. 149.
1898. An Elusive Pair of Screech Owls.— Wilson Bul-
letin, No. 23, x, 6, pp. 76-77.
Burns, Frank L.
1895. The American Crow.— Wilson Bulletin, No. 5.
1900. A Monograph of the Flicker (Colaptes auratus).
— Wilson Bulletin, No. 31, xii, 2, pp. 1-82.
1911. A Monograph of the Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo
platypterus).— Wilson Bulletin, Nos. 76, 77,
Xxiii, 3, 4, pp. 1-320. :
Burr, F. L.
1896. The Baltimore Oriole— The Observer, vii, 5, pp.
215-217.
Burr, Freeman F.
1908. List of Birds of the New Haven Region.— New
Haven Bird Club, Bull. 1.
Buttrick, P. L.
907. The Starling at Stonington and New Haven, Conn.
— Bird-Lore, ix, 5, p. 208.
1908. List of the Birds of the New Haven Region.—
New Haven Bird Club, Bull. 1.
1909. Observations on the Life History of the Bobolink.
— Bird-Lore, xi, 3, p. 125.
C., G. R— See Case, George R.
Cabot, Samuel, Jr., M.D.
1851. Ibis guarauna taken at Middletown, Conn.— Proc.
Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., iii, p. 314.
Canfield, J. B.
1895. The Red Phalarope at Bridgeport, Conn.— Auk,
xii, I, p. 77.
14
210 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
1897. A Nest within a Nest.— Odlogist, xiv, 6, p. 58.
1902. Blue-winged Warbler— Am. Ornith., ii, pp. 52-55.
1902. Louisiana Water-Thrush.— Am. Ornith., ii. pp.
225-227.
Capen, Elwin A.
1886. Odlogy of New England.
Carpenter, Frederic H.
1886. Regarding the Pileated Woodpecker in Connecticut.
— O. and O., xi, 3, p. 48.
Case, Rev. Bert Francis.
1905. Notes on Winter Feeding at Middle Haddam,
Conn.— Bird-Lore, vii, 5, p. 242.
1g06. An Experience in Tree-top Photography.— Bird-
Lore, viii, 1, pp. 1-6.
Case, Clifford M.
1896. Solitary Vireo Nesting in Connecticut—Auk, xiii,
4, P. 343.
1905. Rough-winged Swallow at Hartford, Conn.—
Odlogist, xxii, 7, p. 108.
1905. Red-tailed Hawk.— OGlogist, xxii, 7, p. 108.
1907. City Birds.— OGlogist, xxiv, 4, p. 57.
Case, George R.
1882. Blue Yellow-backed Warbler.— O. and O., vii, 16,
pp. 124-125,
1883. Field Glass O. and O., viii, 1, pp. 5-6.
Cassin, John. — See Baird, Spencer F.
Census, The Christmas Bird — Connecticut.
1gol. Bird-Lore, iii, 1, p. 30.
1902. Bird-Lore, iv, 1, p. 26.
1903. Bird-Lore, v, I, pp. 15-16.
1904. Bird-Lore, vi, 1, pp. 10-11.
1905. Bird-Lore, vii, I, p. 25.
1906. Bird-Lore, viii, I, pp. 16-17.
1907. Bird-Lore, ix, 1, pp. 21-23.
1908. Bird-Lore, x, 1, pp. 26-27.
1909. Bird-Lore, xi, I, pp. 20-22.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. ail
1910. Bird-Lore, xii, 1, pp. 23-24.
1911. Bird-Lore, xiii, 1, pp. 23-25.
1912. Bird-Lore, xiv, 1, pp. 23-24.
Chadbourne, Arthur P., M.D.
1889. An Unusual Flight of Killdeer Plover along the
New England Coast.— Auk, vi, 3, pp. 255-263.
Chamberlain, Montague.
1891. Nuttall’s Ornithology of Eastern North America.
Revised and Annotated.
Chapman, Frank M.
1892. A Preliminary Study of the Grackles of the Sub-
genus Quiscalus. Author’s Edition. [From
Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., iv, 1, p. 20.]
1894. Visitors’ Guide to the Collection of Birds Found
within Fifty Miles of New York City.
1895. Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America.
1898. Sage’s “List of Portland, Conn., Birds.”— Auk,
XV, 3, p. 284.
1899. Sparrow-proof Houses.— Bird-Lore, i, 2, p. 60.
1900. The Season’s Flight of Crossbills— Bird-Lore, ii,
I, p. 25.
1900. Additional Notes on the Season’s Flight of Cross-
bills.— Bird-Lore, ii, 2, p. 59.
1goo. A study of the Genus Sturnella— Bull. Am. Mus.
Nat. Hist., xiii, 22, pp. 297-320.
tgo1. A Nighthawk Incident.— Bird-Lore, iii, 4, p. 126.
1903. Color Key to North American Birds.
1906. The Birds of the Vicinity of New York City.—
Am. Mus. Jour., vi, 2, 3. Reprint, pp. 1-96.
1907. The Warblers of North America.
1gog. ‘Carolina Wren in Connecticut.— Bird-Lore, xi, 1,
p. 15.
1912. Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America.
Revised Edition.
‘
Clark, John N.
1881. Hooded Warblers Nesting in Southern Connecticut.
— O. and O., vi, 2, pp. 9-10.
212 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
1881.
1881.
1882.
1882.
1882.
1882.
1882.
1882.
1882.
1883.
1883.
1883.
1883.
1883.
1883.
1884.
1884.
1884.
1884.
1885.
1885.
1885.
1886.
g
Little Blue Heron (Note).— O. and O., vi, 7, p. 51.
Red-headed Woodpecker in Southern Connecticut.
_ —0. and O., vi, 9, p. 72.
Hooded Warbler Nesting in Southern Connecticut.
— O. and O., vii, 13, p. 102.
Great Horned Owl’s Nest and Eggs.— O. and O.,
vii, 16, pp. 125-126.
Nesting Habits Woodcock and Black Duck.—
O. and O., vii, p. 144.
Large-billed Water-Thrush.— O. and O., vii, 19,
PP. 145-147.
Great White Egret in Connecticut—O. and O.,
vli, 24, p. 189.
Eggs of Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos
in the same Nest.— O. and O., vii, 24, p. 189.
Red-Shouldered Hawk.— O. and O., vii, 24, p. 189.
Clark on “ Gull Island.”— O. and O., viii, 3, p. 21.
Blue-winged Yellow Warbler nesting in Con-
necticut.— O. and O., viii, 5, pp. 37-38.
Hairy Woodpecker.— O. and O., viii, 10, pp. 77-78.
Curious Nesting of a Blue Jay.— O. and O., viii,
10, p. 78.
Blue Jays Tame.— O. and O., viii, I0, p. 78.
Winter Birds.— O. and O., viii, 10, p. 80.
Nesting of the Little Black Rail in Connecticut.—
Auk, i, 4, p. 393.
A Prolific Pair of Song Sparrows.— Random Notes
on Nat. Hist., i, 10, p. 3.
Notes on the Sharp-shinned Hawk.— Random
Notes on Nat. Hist., i, 12, p. 10.
The Screech Owl.— O. and O., ix, 5, p. 61.
Helminthophila leucobronchialis at Saybrook.—
Random Notes on Nat. Hist., ii, 6, p. 43.
Tennessee Warbler at Saybrook.— Random Notes
on Nat. Hist., ii, 9, p. 67.
Successful Rearing of some Young Dusky Ducks.
— Random Notes on Nat. Hist., ii, 12, p. 93.
Immaculate Eggs of Song Sparrows.— Random
Notes on Nat. Hist., iii, 1, p. 8.
No. 20.]
1886.
1887.
1887,
1887.
1888.
1888.
1889.
1889.
1889.
1890.
1890.
1801.
1892.
1892.
1893.
1893.
1895.
1902.
THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 213
Constancy of a Male Oriole-— Random Notes on
Nat. Hist., iii, 12, p. 98.
Nesting of the Black-throated Green Warbler.—
O. and O., xii, 2, pp. 22-23.
A Favorite Nest [Nest occupied in successive
stories by two species of owls and two of
hawks].— O. and O., xii, 8, p. 135.
The Number of Eggs in a Set of certain Species.—
' O. and O., xii, Io, p. 173.
The Corn Crake in Connecticut— O. and O., xiii,
3, PP. 45-46
Nest Building — O. and O., xiii, 9, p. 141.
A Swallow-tailed Kite at Saybrook, Conn.—O. and
O., xiv, 8, p. 123.
The Effect of a Storm on Birds.— O. and O., xiv,
3, PP. 35-36.
The White-throated Warbler at Saybrook, Conn.—
O. and O., xiv, 8, p. TI9.
Nesting of the Yellow-throated Vireo.— O. and O.,
XV, 5, pp. 69-70.
Albino Sparrow, etc., at Saybrook.— O. and O., xv,
12, p. 188.
A Crazy Bluebird— O. and O., xvi, 2, p. 24.
Nesting of the Sharp-shinned Hawk.— O. and O.,
Xvli, 2, pp. 27-28.
True Politeness [Habits of the Cedar Bird].— The
Observer, iii, 10, pp. 305-307.
The First Spring Outing—O. and O., xviii, 1,
pp. I-2.
Queer Occupant of a Goldfinch’s Nest— O. and
O., xviii, 4, pp. 51-52.
Summer Redbird at Saybrook, Conn.— Auk, xii,
3, p- 300.
Nesting of the Great Carolina Wren in Connecticut.
— Auk, xix, I, p. 90.
Clulee, H. L.
1885.
Purple Grackle and Kingfisher at Wallingford in
December.— Random Notes on Nat. Hist., ii,
3, p. 18.
214 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Coe, W. W.
1878.
1882.
1883.
1883.
1883.
1883.
1883.
1883.
1883.
Colbron, E.
1888.
Spring Notes [at Portland, Conn.].— Forest and
Stream, x, pp. 68-69.
Curious Nesting Places O. and O., vii, 23, pp.
183-184.
Barred Owls and Canada Goose.— O. and O., viii,
I, p. 3.
Canada Buntings (Snowflakes) at Portland.—
O. and O., viii, I, p. 4.
Great Horned Owl.— O. and O., viii, 2, p. 14.
Bluebirds at Portland, Dec. 31st, 1882.— O. and O.,
vill, 3, p. 23.
Kingfisher Shot at Portland, Jan. 14th, 1883.—
O. and O., viii, 3, p. 24.
Wild Goose Shot Jan. 4th near Middletown.— O.
and O., viii, 3, p. 24.
Set of Great Horned Owl’s Eggs, March 4th, 1883.
—O. and O., viii, 6, p. 45.
K.
Yellow-Headed Blackbird in Connecticut.— O. and
O., xiii, 12, p. 189.
Cole, Prof. Leon J.
1909.
I9Io.
The Tagging of Wild Birds, as a Means of Study-
ing their Movements.— Auk, xxvi, 2, pp. 137-
143.
American Bird-banding Association — Wilson Bul-
letin, No. 70, xXli, I, pp. 53-55.
Comstock, William I.
1889.
1890.
1892.
1905.
Connecticut
1899.
1899.
Connecticut Notes.— Odlogist, vi, 12, p. 231.
Connecticut Notes.— Phcebe’s Nest with Five Cow-
bird’s Eggs.— Oodlogist, vii, 7, p. 141.
The Vireos of Connecticut.— Odlogist, ix, 3, p. 76.
Another Large Set of Hawks [Eggs].— Odlogist,
xxii, II, p. 168.
Audubon Society [Mabel (Osgood) Wright,
President; Helen W. Glover, Secretary].
Organization.— Bird-Lore, i, 1, p. 30.
Second Annual Meeting.—Bird-Lore, i, 4, p. 139.
No. 20.]
1900.
IgoI.
1903.
1905.
1905.
1906.
1906.
1907.
1908.
1909.
IQIO.
IQII.
THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 215
Annual Report.— Bird-Lore, ii, 5, p. 165.
Annual Report.— Bird-Lore, iii, 5, p. 181.
Annual Report— Bird-Lore, v, i, p. 40.
Annual Report.— Bird-Lore, vii, 1, p. 77.
Annual Report.— Bird-Lore, vii, 6, p. 312.
Annual Report.— Bird-Lore, viii, 2, p. 77.
Annual Report.— Bird-Lore, ae 6, p. 251.
Annual Report.— Bird-Lore, ix, 6, p. 330.
Annual Report.— Bird-Lore, » 6, p. —
Annual Rese Hind fore i, 6, p.
Annual Report.— Bird-Lore, xii, 6, p. oe
‘Annual Report.— Bird-Lore, xiii, 6, pp. 364-365.
Cooke, Wells W.
1903.
1903.
1904.
1904.
1904.
1904.
1904.
1904.
1904.
1904.
1904.
1905.
Some New Facts about the Migration of Birds.—
U.S. Dept. Agriculture, Year Book, pp. 371-386.
The Migration of Warblers — American Redstart.
— Bird-Lore, v, 6, p. 189.
Distribution and Migration of North American
Warblers.— U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Div. Biol.
Surv., Bull. 18.
The Migration of Warblers — Yellow-breasted
Chat.— Bird-Lore, vi, 1, p. 23.
The Migration of Warblers— Black-throated Green
Warbler.— Bird-Lore, vi, 2, pp. 57-58.
The Migration of Warblers — Wilson’s Warbler.—
Bird-Lore, vi, 2, p. 58.
The Migration of Warblers — Canadian Warbler.
Bird-Lore, vi, 2, p. 59.
The Migration of Warblers — Blue-winged War-
bler.— Bird-Lore, vi, 3, p. QI.
The Migration of Warblers — Golden-winged
Warbler.— Bird-Lore, vi, 3, p. 92.
The Migration of Warblers — Chestnut-sided War-
bler.— Bird-Lore, vi, 5, p. 163.
The Migration of Warblers — Magnolia Warbler.
— Bird-Lore, vi, 6, p. 200.
The Migration of Warblers — Yellow Warbler.—
Bird-Lore, vii, 1, p. 32.
216
CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
1905.
1905.
1905.
1905.
1905.
1905.
1905.
1907.
1907.
1907.
1907.
The Migration of Warblers — Prairie Warbler.—
Bird-Lore, vii, 1, p. 34.
The Migration of Warblers — Connecticut War-
bler. — Bird-Lore, vii, 2, p. 136.
The Migration of Warblers — Black and White
Warbler.— Bird-Lore, vii, 4, p. 203.
The Migration of Warblers — Black-poll Warbler.
— Bird-Lore, vii, 4, p. 205.
The Migration of Warblers — Nashville Warbler.
— Bird-Lore, vii, 5, p. 237.
The Migration of Warblers — Yellow Palm War-
bler.— Bird Lore, vii, 6, p. 276.
The Migration of Warblers— Maryland Yellow-
throat.— Bird-Lore, vii, 6, p. 277.
The Migration of Warblers — Worm-eating War-
bler.— Bird-Lore, viii, 1, p. 27.
The Migration of Warblers — Myrtle Warbler.—
Bird-Lore, viii, 2, pp. 61-62.
The Migration of Warblers — Oven-bird.— Bird-
Lore, viii, 3, p. 100.
The Migration of Warblers— Northern Water-
Thrush.— Bird-Lore, viii, 3, p. 101.
The Migration of Warblers— Louisiana Water-
Thrush.— Bird-Lore, viii, 3, p. 102.
The Migration of Warblers— Northern Parula
Warbler.— Bird-Lore, viii, 5, pp. 168-169.
The Migration of Warblers — Black-throated Blue
Warbler.— Bird-Lore, vi, 6, p. 203.
Distribution and Migration of North American
Ducks, Geese, and Swans.— U. S. Dept. Agri-
culture, Div. Biol. Surv., Bull. 26.
The Migration of Thrushes—-Wood Thrush.—
Bird-Lore, ix, I, p. 32.
The Migration of Thrushes — Wilson’s Thrush.—
Bird-Lore, ix, I, p. 33.
The Migration of Thrushes— American Robin.—
Bird-Lore, ix, 2, p. 76. .
The Migration of Thrushes — Hermit Thrush—
Bird-Lore, ix, 3, p. 123.
1909.
1909.
1909.
1909.
1909.
1909.
1909.
1909.
1909.
1909.
IQIo.
IQIo.
1910.
IQIo.
1910.”
THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 217
The Migration of Flycatchers — Least Flycatcher.
— Bird-Lore, x, 3, p. 117.
The Migration of Flycatchers — Kingbird.— Bird-
Lore, x, 4, p. 166.
The Migration of Flycatchers — Wood Pewee.—
Bird-Lore, x, 4, p. 168.
The Migration of Flycatchers — Phoebe.— Bird-
Lore, xX, 5, pp. 210-211.
The Migration of Flycatchers—Crested Fly-
catcher.— Bird-Lore, xi, 1, pp. 12-13.
The Migration of Vireos — Philadelphia Vireo.—
Bird-Lore, xi, 2, p. 78.
The Migration of Vireos— Warbling Vireo.—
Bird-Lore, xi, 2, pp. 79-80.
The Migration of Vireos—Red-eyed Vireo.—
Bird-Lore, xi, 2, pp. 81-82.
The Migration of Vireos— White-eyed Vireo.—
Bird-Lore, xi, 3, p. 118.
The Migration of Vireos — Yellow-throated Vireo.
— Bird-Lore, xi, 4, p. 165.
The Migration of Vireos — Blue-headed Vireo.—
Bird-Lore, xi, 4, p. 167.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Tree Sparrow.— Bird-Lore, xi, 6, p. 255.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Chipping Sparrow.— Bird-Lore, xi. 6, pp. 256-
257.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Field Sparrow.— Bird-Lore, xi, 6, pp. 258-259.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Grasshopper Sparrow.— Bird-Lore, xii, I, p. 13.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Henslow’s Sparrow.— Bird-Lore, xii, I, p. 14.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Song Sparrow.— Bird-Lore, xii, 2, p. 67.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Sharp-tailed Sparrow.— Bird-Lore, xii, 3, p. 111.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Nelson’s Sparrow.— Bird-Lore, xii, 3, p. I12.
218
CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull,
I9Io.
I9IO.
IQIO.
IQIl.
IQII.
IQII.
IQIt.
IQII.
1912.
1912.
1912.
1912.
Igi2.
1912.
1913.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Acadian Sharp-tailed Sparrow.— Bird-Lore, xii,
3, p. 112.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Seaside Sparrow.— Bird-Lore, xii, 3, p. 112.
Distribution and Migration of North American
Shore-birds— U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Biol.
Surv., Bull. 35.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Vesper Sparrow.— Bird-Lore, xiii, 2, pp. 86
and 88.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Savannah Sparrow.— Bird-Lore, xiii, 3, pp. 144
and 146.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Indigo Bunting.— Bird-Lore, xiii, 4, pp. 199-201.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Evening Grosbeak.— Bird-Lore, xiii, 6, p. 290.
The Migratory Movements of Birds in Relation
to the Weather—U. S. Dept. Agriculture,
Yearbook for 1910, pp. 377-390.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
White-winged Crossbill— Bird-Lore, xiv, 1, p.
47.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
White-crowned Sparrow.— Bird-Lore, xiv, 2,
Pp. 98-99.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
White-throated Sparrow.— Bird-Lore, xiv, 2,
Pp. IOI, 103-104.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Rose-breasted Grosbeak.— Bird-Lore, xiv, 3,
pp. 159 and 161.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Towhee.— Bird-Lore, xiv, 5, pp. 287 and 2809.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Pine Grosbeak.— Bird-Lore, xiv, 6, pp. 345-346.
The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Snow Bunting Bird-Lore, xv, I, pp. 16-17.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 219
1913. The Migration of North American Sparrows —
Fox Sparrow.— Bird-Lore, xv, 2, pp. 105-107.
1913. Distribution and Migration of North American
Herons and their Allies— U. S. Dept. Agricul-
ture, Biol. Surv., Bull. 45.
Cory, Charles B.
1897. How to Know the Shore-birds.
1897. How to Know the Ducks, Geese, and Swans.
1899. The Birds of North America known to Occur East
of the Ninetieth Meridian. Part I. Water
Birds. Part II. Land Birds.
Coues, Elliott, M.D.
1868. Catalogue of the Birds of North America contained
in the Museum of the Essex Institute, with
which is incorporated a List of the Birds of New
England.— Proc. Essex Inst., v, 33, PP. 249-314.
1868. A List of the Birds of New England [Reprinted
from Proc. Essex Inst.|, pp. 71.
1872. Key to North American Birds.
1874. Birds of the Northwest.— U. S. Geol. Surv. Terr.,
Misc. Pub. No. 3.
1878. Birds of the Colorado Valley— U. S. Geol. Surv.
Terr., Misc. Pub. No. 11.
1881. New England Bird Life. Part I. Oscines.
1883. New England Bird Life. Part II. Non-Oscine
Passeres, Birds of Prey, Game and Water Birds
. 1884. Key to North American Birds. Second Edition,
revised to date.
1903. Key to North American Birds. Fifth Edition, en-
tirely revised.
Cressy, Nettie S.
tgit. Mockingbird at West Hartford — Winter 1910-11.
— Hartford Times, Feb. 7.
Davie, Oliver.
1898. Nests and Eggs of North American Birds. Fifth
Edition.
220 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Deane, Ruthven.
1880. Large-billed Water-Thrush in Connecticut.— Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Club, v, 2, p. 116.
1880. Hooded Warbler in Connecticut.— Bull. Nutt. Orn.
Club, v, 2, p. 17.
1881. Breeding of Wild Pigeons in Confinement [in Con-
necticut].— Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vi, 1, p. 60.
1902. Unusual Abundance of the Snowy Owl in New
England and Canada Auk, xix, 3, pp. 276-
2777.
1906. Unusual Abundance of the Snowy Owl.— Auk.
XXili, 3, p. 291.
1907. The Snowy Owl not generally abundant in the
Winter of 1906-7.— Auk, xxiv, 2, p. 217.
1907. Unusual Abundance of the American Goshawk.
— Auk, xxiv, 2, p. 183.
De Kay, James E.
1844. Natural History of New York. Zodlogy of New
York. Part JI. Birds.
Dow, Everett D. ;
1912. Hooded Warbler at Hartford, Conn.— Bird-Lore,
Xiv, 4, Pp. 230.
Dugmore, A. Radclyffe.
1900. The Nests, Eggs, and Breeding Habits of the Land
Birds breeding in the Eastern United States.
Dunbar, W. L.
1888. Red-eyed Vireo— Odlogist, v, 10-11, p. 158.
1893. Nesting of the Blue-winged Yellow Warbler.—
Odlogist, x, 4, p. 110.
Dutcher, William.
1901. Protection of Gulls and Terns in Connecticut.—
Auk, xviii. 1, pp. 84-86.
1902. Protection of Gulls and Terns in Connecticut —
Auk, xix, I, p. 39.
1903. Protection of Gulls and Terns in Connecticut —
Auk, xx, I, p. 117.
1904. Food of Screech Owl.— Bird-Lore, vi, 5, Pp. 180.
No. 20.]
1905.
1907.
1907.
1907.
1907.
1907.
: 1908.
1908.
1909.
1909.
THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 221
Game Legislation in Connecticut.— Bird-Lore, ‘vii,
3) p. 183.
Game Legislation in Connecticut.— Bird-Lore, ix,
I, p. 54.
Game Legislation in Connecticut.— Bird-Lore, ix,
2, p. IOI.
Game Legislation in Connecticut.— Bird-Lore, ix,
3, P. 140.
Game Legislation in Connecticut.— Bird-Lore, ix,
4, p. 188.
Close and Open Seasons for Wood Ducks in 1907.
— Bird-Lore, ix, 4, p. 192, I plate.
Bird Refuges [in Connecticut].— Bird-Lore, x, 3,
Pp. 145.
Leasing of Willow Island, Conn.— Bird-Lore, x,
4, p. IQI.
Willow Island Fund.— Bird-Lore, xi, 1, p. 58.
Legislation in Connecticut Bird-Lore, xi, 3,
p. 146.
Dwight, Jonathan, Jr., M.D.
1887.
1890.
1906.
1907.
Ammodramus caudacutus subvirgatus taken at
Madison, Conn., on June oth— Auk, iv, 3, p.
230.
The Horned Larks of North America.— Auk, vii,
2, pp. 141-142.
Status and Plumages of the White-winged Gulls of
the Genus Larus — Auk, xxiii, I, p. 37.
A Sketch of the Thrushes of North America.—
Bird-Lore, ix, 3, pp. 103-109.
Eames, Dr. Edwin H.
1888.
1888.
1889.
1889.
Notes on Helminthophila leucobronchialis— Auk,
Vv, 4, P- 427.
Dendroica cerulea at Seymour, Conn.— Auk, v, 4,
P- 431.
The Blue-winged Warbler and its Allies in Con-
necticut.— Auk, vi, 4, pp. 305-310.
The Fish Crow in Connecticut.— Auk, vi, 4, p. 338.
222 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
1890. Food and Habits of the Ruby-throated Humming-
bird.— Auk, vii, 3, p. 286-288.
1893. Notes from Connecticut— Auk, x, 1, p. 89.
Earnshaw, Frank L.— See Oldys, Henry.
Eaton, Elon Howard.
1910. Birds of New York, Part I— New York State
Museum, Memoir 12.
Edwards, Stanley W.
1903. Yellow-billed Cuckoo’s Egg in a Robin’s Nest.—
Auk, xx, I, p. 68.
Elliott, Daniel Giraud, D.Sc.
1895. North American Shore-Birds.
1897. The Gallinaceous Game Birds of North America.
1898. The Wild Fowl of the United States and British
Possessions.
Ells, George P.
1907. The Starling at Norwalk, Conn.— Bird-Lore, ix,
5, Pp. 207.
Faxon, Walter.
1889. On the Summer Birds of Berkshire County, Mass.
(Several references to Connecticut Species.)—
Auk, vi, 1, pp. 39-46.
1911. Brewster’s Warbler— Mem. Mus. Comp. Zoil.,
xi, 2, pp. 57-78,.1 plate. ;
Fisher, A. K., M.D.
1893. The Hawks and Owls of the United States in their
Relation to Agriculture— U. S. Dept. Agricul-
ture, Div. Orn., Bull. 3.
Igo1. Two Vanishing Game Birds.— U. S. Dept. Agri-
ture, Yearbook, pp. 447-458, plates Ixiii, xiv.
Flagg, Wilson.
1875. The Birds and Seasons of New England.
Fleming, James H.
1907. The Unusual Migration of Brunnich’s Murre (Uria
lomvia) in Eastern North America.— Proc.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 223
Fourth Internat. Orn. Cong., 1905, pp. 528-543,
plates.
Flint, H. W.
1887. The Connecticut Warbler in Connecticut.— O. and
O., xii, 10, p. 176.
1888. Nesting of the Blue-winged Yellow Warbler at
New Haven, Conn.— O. and O., xiii, 11, p. 173.
1892. Eggs of Warblers in Collection of H. W. Flint—
O. and O., xvii, 9, p. 138.
1892. Louisiana Tanager taken at New Haven, Conn.—
O. and O., xvii, 12, p. 187.
1893. Capture of the Louisiana Tanager at New Haven,
Conn.— Auk, x, 1, p. 86.
Forbush, Edward Howe.
1907. Game Legislation in Connecticut in 1907.— Bird-
Lore, ix, 6, p. 304.
1909. Establishing a State Ornithologist in Connecticut.
— Bird-Lore, xi, 6, p. 299.
19it. Legislation in Connecticut in 1911.— Bird-Lore,
xiii, 6, pp. 346-347.
Foster, Lyman §&.
1893. Great Blue Heron shot at Bridgeport in Jan., 1884.
— Abst. Linn. Soc., N. Y., v, p. 2.
1896. Capture of Hybrid Sandpiper in Connecticut.—
Abst. Linn. Soc., N. Y., viii, p. 1.
1896. Capture of Lawrence’s and Brewster’s Warblers,
King Rail, &c., in Connecticut.— Abst. Linn.
Soc., N. Y., viii, p. 4.
Fuller, Edward.
1891. The Barred Owl.— Odlogist, viii, 2, p. 33.
1891. The Cooper’s Hawk.— OGlogist, viii, 3, p. 62.
1891. The American Osprey.— Odlogist, viii, 7, pp. 145-
147.
Gates, Harry T.
1879. Goshawk at Hartford, Dec. 13, 1878.— Familiar
Sct. and Fanciers’ Journal, vi, 2, p. 24.
224 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
1879. Rough-legged Hawk (?) near Hartford in June—
Familiar Sci. and Fanciers’ Journal, vi, 6, p. 143.
1881. Red-headed Woodpecker at Hartford.— O. and O.,
vi, 10, pp. 79-80.
1883. Notes from Hartford. O. and O., viii, 1, p. 8.
Gentry, Thomas G.
1876. Life-Histories of the Birds of Eastern Pennsyl-
vania, Vol. I. 1877, Vol. II.
1882. Nests and Eggs of Birds of the United States.
Gladwin, Charles O.
1876. Birds of Southern Connecticut— Forest and
Stream, vi, 8, p 116; 12, p. 180.
Goff, J. L.
1883. Nesting Notes from Connecticut.— O. and O., viii,
p. 78.
Goode, G. Brown, LL. D.
1872. A Sea Bird Inland [Alle alle at Middletown,
Conn.]— Am Nat., vi, 1, p. 49.
Goodwin, F. M.
1884. Lanius borealis [Lanius ludovicianus migrans]
nesting at Hartland, Conn., in 1881 [Hartland,
Vermont. Cf. O. and O., ix, 4, p. 48].— O. and
O., ix, 3, Pp. 35.
Graves, Charles B., M.D.
1892. Notes on the Louisiana Water-Thrush.— The
Observer, iii, 6, pp. 175-176.
Graves, Frances M.
1907. The Starling at New London, Conn.— Bird-Lore,
1x, 5, Pp. 200.
Grinnell, Dr. George Bird.
1875. The Frigate Bird and White Ibis in Connecticut.
Am. Nat., ix, 8, p. 470.
1880. iWinter in Connecticut. (Colaptes auratus and
Dendroica palmarum near New Haven.) —
Forest and Stream, xiii, p. 105.
1901. American Duck Shooting.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 225
H., C. R.
1884. White Eggs of Bluebird — Young Odlogist, i, 10,
p. 141.
1885. Submersion of Swallows.— Young Odlogist, ii, 1,
Pp. 9
1889. Peculiarities in Sets and Eggs of a few of our
Common Birds.— Odlogist, vi, 4, p. 73.
H., G. L— See Hawley, George L.
H., G. 8.— See Hawley, George L.
Hagenaw, O. J.
1890. American Raven in Connecticut.— O. and O., xv,
Io, p. 156.
Hallock, Charles.
1877. The Sportsman’s Gazetteer and General Guide.
Hartford Bird Study Club.
1909. -Check-List, with Migration List, 1909.
Harvie-Brown, John A.
1874. A Collection of North American Birds’ Eggs and
Skins, formed principally by the Rev. C. M.
Jones, Connecticut.— Proc. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glas-
gow, Dec. 1, 1874.
Hausman, Leon A.
1904. A Bird-Quest— Warbler, ii, 6, pp. 83-84.
1907. —Ecenomic Value of Birds.— Odlogist, xxiv, 5, pp.
70-72.
“ Hawk.”
1885. Spotted Robin Eggs.— Young Odélogist, i, 10, p.
144.
1885. Notes from Norwich, Conn.— Young Odlogist, i,
II, p. 154.
Hawley, George L. (“ G. L. H.” and “ G. S. H.”)
1887. Nesting of the Whip-poor-will— O. and O., xii,
9, P- 155-
1892. Odlogical Notes— O. and O., xvii, 7, pp. 102-103.
1893. Abnormal Coloring of a Song Sparrow’s Egg.—
O. and O., xviii, 1, p. 13.
15
226 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
1893. Large Eggs of the Field Sparrow.— O. and O.,
Xvili, 6, p. 95.
Hayden, Randolph Lawrence.
1901. Whip-poor-will— Am. Ornith., i, 9, p. 186.
Henshaw, Henry W.
1910. Report of the Chief of the Biological Survey for
1910.— U. S. Dept. Agriculture.
1912. Report of the Chief of the Biological Survey for
1912.— U. S. Dept. Agriculture.
1913. Fetleral Law for the Protection of Migratory Birds.
— U.S. Dept Agriculture, Biol. Surv.
Hill, James H.
1go2. Connecticut Bird Notes.— Auk, xix, I, p. 93.
Hoag, Benjamin.
1897. Are Green Eggs of the Red-tailed Hawk Rare?—
Osprey, i, 6, p. 78.
Hoffman, Ralph.
1904. A Guide to the Birds of New England and Eastern
New York.
Holbrook, Judge S. T.
1881. Notes from Norwich, Conn.— O. and O., vi, 5, pp.
30-32.
Honeywill, Alfred W., Jr.
tgo7. Photograph of a Saw-whet Owl at New Haven.—
Bird-Lore, ix, 1, p. 37.
1907. Prairie Horned Larks in Connecticut—Bird-Lore,
ix, 4, Pp. 174.
1908. List of the Birds of the New Haven Region —New
Haven Bird Club, Bull. 1,
Hornaday, William T, Sc.D.
1913. Our’ Vanishing Wild Life.
Howe, Reginald Heber, Jr.
1899. The Hooded Warbler at Montville, Conn— Auk,
xvi, 4, p. 360.
1900. Rough-winged Swallow Breeding in Connecticut,
and other Notes.— Auk, xvii, 4, p. 380.
No. 20.]
1900.
1903.
THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 227
An annotated list of the Birds observed along the
Thames River, Conn.— The Day (New Lon-
don), Nov. 1, 1900, p. 6.
A North American Faunal Index to the ‘ Ornith-
‘ologist and Odlogist.”— Contrib. to N. A.
Ornith., i, pp. 36-38.
Howes, Paul G.
1907.
1907.
1907.
1908.
1908.
1909.
1909.
1909.
1909.
1909.
IQII.
IQII.
IQII.
IQII.
IgII.
IgIt.
IQII.
The English Starling.— Odlogist, xxiv, 3, p. 44.
The English Starling — Odlogist, xxiv, 8, p. 123.
Decrease of Baltimore Oriole at Stamford.—
Odlogist, xxiv, 9, p. 140.
The Maryland Yellow-throat.— Odlogist, xxv, 1,
p. 5.
Notes on the Black-billed Cuckoo.— Odlogist, xxv,
‘II, p. 171.
On Purple Grackles (Quiscalus quiscula).—
Odlogist, xxvi, 6, p. 94.
Notes from Southern Connecticut— Odlogist,
xxvi, 8, p. 125.
Bully for the Starling — Odlogist, xxvi, 9, p. 152.
Old Nesting Site of a Colony of Robins.— Odlogist,
xxvi, II, p. 186.
The Carolina Rail, Nesting near Stamford—
‘OGlogist, xxvi, II, p. 190.
Photograph of Nest and Eggs of Carolina Rail._—
Odlogist, xxviii, 5, p. 90.
Connecticut News Items.— Odlogist, xxviii, 9, pp.
150-152. :
Correction.— Odlogist, xxvili, 9, p. 152.
Accidental Death of a Sparrow.— OdGlogist, xxviii,
II, pp. 169-170.
Accidental Death of a Starling. — Odlogist, xxviii,
Il, pp. 172-173.
Plates of Crustacea from Stomach of a Starling —
Odlogist, xxvill, II, pp. 174-175.
A Report on the Woodpecker.— Odlogist, xxviii,
12, pp. 194-201.
228 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST, SURVEY. [Bull.
Hoyt, William H.
1889. . European Thrush (Turdus pilaris) and Lawrence’s
Warbler at Stamford.— O. and O., xiv, 3, p. 44.
Huntington, Dwight W.
1903. Our Feathered Game.
1910. Our Wild Fowl and Waders.
Hutchins, Rev. John.
1900. The House Wren as a Depredator.— Bird-Lore, ii,
3, P- 89.
1902. The Nesting of the Yellow-throated Vireo.— Bird-
Lore, iv, 4, pp. 120-122.
1905. A Recent Visit of the Evening Grosbeak.— Bird-
Lore, vii, 3, p. 173.
1907. The Feeding Habits of the Blue Jay.— Bird-Lore,
ix, 2, p. 81.
1908. Pileated Woodpecker near Litchfield, Conn.— Auk,
XXV, 4, P. 475.
Ingersoll, Ernest.
1874. Discovery of the Water-Thrush’s Nest in New
England.— Am. Nat., viii, 4, pp. 238-239.
1881. Colaptes auratus, called “ Yaffle” in Connecticut.—
Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, vi, 3, p. 184.
Inquirer.
1886. Golden Eagle in Connecticut.— Forest and Stream,
xxvii, 19, p. 362.
J., A. W.
1891. Connecticut Shore-birds— Am. Field, xxxv, 7,
p. 151.
Job, Rev. Herbert K. ;
1900. The American Egret in Connecticut— Auk, xvii,
3, P. 204.
1901. Photographing the Caprimulgidz.— Osprey, v, 4,
PP. 51-54.
1901. The Pileated Woodpecker in Connecticut Auk,
Xvili, 2, p. 193.
1905. Wild Wings.
No. 20.]
1907.
1908.
1910.
Jones, Rev.
1870.
1876,
1881.
1881.
‘1883.
1884.
1886.
1887,
1887.
1888.
1891.
THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 229
A Thrashing by Thrashers.— Bird-Lore, ix, 6, pp.
241-244. ;
The Sport of Bird Study. Appendix — List of the
Birds Observed in Litchfield County, Conn.
How to study Birds.
Cc. M.
The Breeding Habits of Birds—-Am. Nat.,
pp. 48-49.
Breeding of Black-throated Blue Warbler in Con-
necticut— Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, i, 1, pp. 11-13.
Henslow’s Sparrow Nesting in Northern Con-
necticut O. and O., vi, 3, pp. 17-18.
Black-throated Blue Warbler in Connecticut.-—
O. and O.., vi, 7, Pp. 49-50.
A Pair of Mallards shot at Eastford, Conn.— O.
and O., vili, 4, p. 32.
The Black-throated Blue Warbler in Connecticut.-—
O. and O., ix, 3, pp. 30-31.
The Connecticut Warbler.— O. and O., xi, 3, pp.
43-44.
Nesting of Blue-headed Vireo.— O. and O., xii, 2
p. 26.
Secured a Pure Albino Robin.— O. and O., xii, 8,
Dp. 134.
The White-breasted Nuthatch— O. and O., xiii,
4, PP. 57-58.
Singular Capture of a Black-throated Diver.— O.
and O., xvi, 2, p. 20.
iii, 1,
Jones, George C.
1884.
Great Northern Diver.— O. and O., ix, 6, p. 76.
Jones, Prof. Lynds.
1892.
1900.
Report of the President for the Work of 1891 on
the Fringillide— Wilson Quarterly, iv, 2, pp.
67-84.
Warbler Songs (Mniotiltide)— Wilson Bulletin,
No. 30, xii, I, pp. 1-56.
230 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Judd, Elmer T.
1889. Climbing of a young Yellow-throated Vireo.—
O. and O., xiv, 8, p. 128.
Judd, Robert S.
1907. The Starling at Bethel, Conn.— Bird-Lore, ix, 5,
* p. 207.
1908. The Prairie Horned Lark in Fairfield County,
Conn.— Bird-Lore, x, 3, p. 129.
Judge, E. W., Jr.
1885. A Nest Full of Eggs— Young Odlogist, ii, 2,
p. 28.
Kimball, S. T. |
1883. Song Sparrow’s Nest, and Great Northern Shrike.
— O. and O., viii, 2, p. 16.
Knowles, Rev. W. C.
1905. Where the Blue Jays find a Breakfast.— Bird-Lore,
vii, 3, p. 178.
Lacey, Lottie Alvard.
1908. Redpoll Linnets—— Bird-Lore, x, I, pp. 10-13.
1912. A Winter Oriole— Bird-Lore, xiv, 2, p. 109.
Langille, Rev. J. Hibbert.
1892. Birds in their Haunts.
Lawrence, George N.— See Baird, Spencer F.
Lincoln, C. E.
1891. Notes from Middletown, Conn.— O. and O., xvi,
9, pp. 140-141.
Linsley, A. M.
1887. Chipping Sparrow Nest in that of Baltimore Oriole.
— Odlogist, iv, 2, p. 79.
1889. Notes on Connecticut Birds.— Odlogist, vi, 12, pp.
232-233.
1891. A Rambling Mixture from Connecticut (Hens-
low’s Sparrow) .— Odlogist, viii, 9, pp. 179-180.
Linsley, Rev. James H.
1843. A Catalogue of the Birds of Connecticut, arranged
according to their Natural Families— Am.
Journ, Sci. and Arts, xliv, 2, pp. 249-274.
No. 20. ] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 231
1844. Additional Notes on Connecticut Birds. Am.
Journ. Sci. and Arts, x\vi, I, p. 51.
Lucas, W. H.
1884. Jottings from West Stratford— Young Odlogist
i, 7, p. 103.
1887. Interesting Notes from Connecticut.— Odlogist, iv
2, p. 84.
1889. Cape May Warbler at Bridgeport— O. and O
xiv, 10, p. 160.
1890. Woodcock at Bridgeport, Jan. 26, 1890, and othe
S Records.— O. and O., xv, 2, p. 31.
1891. Florida Gallinule in Connecticut [Clapper Rail]
— O. and O., xvi, 10, p. 149.
M., J. R.
1884. Black-capped Chickadee.— Young Odlogtst, i, 5, p.
70.
McCook, Philip J. ;
1897. Capture of the Little Blue Heron in Connecticut.—
Auk, xiv, 4, p. 402.
1897. A Brown Crow [at Blackhall, Conn.].— Osprey
li, 3, p. 40.
1905. Little Blue Heron in Connecticut.— Auk, xxii, i,
p. 76.
Martin, John A.
1884. Spotted Robin Eggs.— Young Odlogist, i, 9, p. 131.
Maynard, Charles J.
1890. Eggs of North American Birds.
1896. Handbook of the Sparrows, Finches, &c., of New
England.
1896. The Birds of Eastern North America.
Mearns, Dr. Edgar A., U. S. A.
1892. A Study of the Sparrow Hawks (Subgenus Tin-
nunculus) of America, with especial reference
to the Continental Species (Falco sparverius
Linn.) — Auk, ix, 3, pp. 252-270.
232 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [Bull.
Meeker, Jesse C. A.
1897.
1899.
1906.
Nesting Habits of the Black-throated Green War-
bler.— OGlogist, xiv, 11, p. 99.
Nesting of the Blue-winged Warbler.— Odlogist,
Xvi, 2, Pp. 30.
A Male Golden-winged Warbler Mated with a
Female Blue-winged Warbler, at Bethel, Conn.
— Auk, xxiii, 1, p. 104.
Meg Merrythought.
‘1906.
Merriam, C.
1876.
1877.
1878.
1878.
1884.
1885.
1887.
1888.
1880.
1808.
1908.
Nesting of Killdeer in Northern Connecticut—
Am. Ornith., vi, 7, pp. 173-174.
Hart, M.D.
Passerculus princeps and Parus hudsonicus in Con-
necticut — Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, i, 2, p. 52.
A Review of the Birds of Connecticut with Re-
marks on their Habits Trans. Conn. Acad., iv,
Pp. I-150.
Early Arrivals [at New Haven].— Familiar Sci.
and Fanciers’ Journ., v, 4, p. 72.
Correction: Podiceps cristatus not a Connecticut
Bird.— Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, iii, 1, p. 47.
The Coming of the Robins and other Early Birds
in Southern Connecticut— Science, iv, pp.
571-572. :
Preliminary Report of the Committee on Bird
Migration — Auk, ii, 1, pp. 53-65.
Report of’ the Ornithologist— Ann. Rep. Dept.
Agriculture for 1886, pp. 227-258.
Report of the Ornithologist— Ann. Rep. Dept.
Agriculture for 1887, pp. 399-456.
Report of the Ornithologist and Mammalogist.—
Ann. Rep. Dept. Agriculture for 1888, pp. 477-
530.
Life Zones and Crop Zones of the United States.—
U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Div. Biol. Surv., Bull.
10.
Decision of the Supreme Court of the United
States on the Sale of Imported Game.— U. S.
Dept. Agriculture, Div. Biol. Survey, Circular 67.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 233
1908. Report of the Chief of the Bureau of Biological
Survey for 1908.
1909. Report of the Chief of the Bureau of Biological
Survey for 19009.
Mershon, W. B.
1907. The Passenger Pigeon.
Metcalf, Willard L.
1909. Ruby-throated Hummingbitd — Two Broods from
One Nest.— Odlogist, xxvi, 10, p. 163.
Minot, Henry D.
1877. The Land Birds and Game Birds of New England.
1877. Minot’s New England Birds: Additions.— Am.
Nat., xi, 3, p. 175.
1881. Notes on the Migration of Birds [in Western Con-
necticut]— Am. Nat., xv, pp. 870-872.
1895. The Land Birds and Game Birds of New England.
Second Edition. Edited by William Brewster.
Morgan, Albert.
1907. The Starling at Wethersfield, Conn.— Bird-Lore,
ix, 5, p. 208.
1909. Two Warbler Photographs.— Bird-Lore, xi, 5, pp.
206-208.
1913. A Bird Apartment House.— Bird-Lore, xv, 3, pp.
155-157.
Morris, Robert O.
1894. Rare Visitations to the Connecticut Valley in 1893.
— Auk, xi, 2, p. 181.
1901. The Birds of Springfield and Vicinity.
Morris, Robert T., M.D.
1876. Game Birds of Connecticut Forest and Stream,
vii, p. 116.
1876. Local Nomenclature [for wild fowl] on the Con-
necticut Coast.— Forest and Stream, vii, p. 276.
Morse, Albert P., M.D.
1897. List of Birds of Wellesley [Mass.].
234 CONNECTICUT GEOL. AND NAT. HIST. SURVEY. [ Bull.
Moulthrope, George E.
1902. The Camera against a Phoebe.— Am. Ornith., ii,
PP. 338-341.
Munson, Edward L., M.D.
1887. Notes from New Haven, Conn.— O. and O., xii,
9, p. 156.
Munson, S. A.
1882. Golden Eagle taken near Hartford, Conn.— O.
and O., vi, 12, p. 94.
Neff, Charles H.
1883. The Great Carolina Wren in Connecticut.— Forest
and Stream, xx, 8, p. 47.
1883. Winter and Spring Notes 1882-83 (Portland, Con-
necticut) — Forest and Stream, xx, 10, 4, p. 304.
1883. Summer Birds in Winter.— O. and O., viii, 4, p. 32.
1883. Least Bittern Nesting at Portland—O. and O.,
vili, 11, p. 86.
1888. List of the Birds of Portland, Conn., and Vicinity.
—.Middlesex Co. Record, iv, 4, 5, 6, 7-
1893. Baltimore Oriole at Portland, Conn., Dec. 22, 1892.
— O. and O., xvili, 3, p. 47.
Nehrling, Henry.
1893. Our Native Birds of Song and Beauty. Vol. i.
1896. Our Native Birds of Song and Beauty. Vol. ii.
Nelson, E. W.
1904. A Revision of the North American Mainland
Species of Myiarchus.— Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash.,
Xvli, pp. 21-50.
New Haven Ornithological Club.
1888. Founding.— O. and O., xiii, 3, p. 47.
Norris, J. Parker.
1886. A Series of Eggs of the Red-tailed Hawk.— O. and
O., xi, 5, pp. 67-69.
1886. The Relative Size of Eggs of the Red-tailed Hawk
to the Parent Birds.— O. and O., xi, 8, p. 118.
No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 235
1887. A Series of Eggs of Mytodioctes mitratus.— O.
and O., xii, 12, pp. 200-201.
1888. A Series of Eggs of Parula americana.—O. and
O., xiii, I, pp. 2-5.
1888.