1856.] 291 



Genus STURNELLA, And. 



Sturnella ludoviciana. The Meadow Lark. 



This bird is quite abundant here, but vastly more numerous in the north 

 western part of the State, and in all other prairie countries where I have been, 

 they seem to be the most numerous bird, except, perhaps, the Red-winged 

 Blackbird. I can see no difference between this bird and the lark called S. 

 neglecta. They are probably the same. 



Genus QUISCALUS, Vieill. 



QuiscALUs VERSICOLOR, Aud. Crow Black Bird. 



These birds are very numerous except in winter. They are among the first 

 to arrive in the spring. They build their nests always in the hollow tree tops. 

 About the middle of June to the first of July they collect in flocks, and move off 

 to the North, and we see no more of them until October, when they again make 

 their appearance in large flocks, and move off southward. 



QuiscALus FERRUGiNEUs, Aud. Rusty Gracker. 

 Frequently seen in spring and fall. 



Genus ICTERUS. ^ 



Icterus pecoris, Aud. Cow Bunting. 



I have never known this bird to breed here. They are frequently seen in 

 spring and autumn during their migrations. 



Genus XANTHORNUS, Cuv. 



Xanthornus varius, Gmel. Orchard Hangnest or Oriolo. 



This lively and noisy bird is very abundant. During the breeding season the 

 male sings almost without intermission. 



Genus YPHANTES, Vieill. 



Yphantes Baltimore, Linn. Baltimore Oriole. 



This beautiful bird is very numerous in all the country west of the Alleghany 

 Mountains. I am of opinion that the song of the bird here, varies a little from 

 the song of those found in Virginia, though in all other respects they seem to be 

 identical. 



Genus AGELAIUS, Vieillot. 



Agelaios phqeniceus, Linn. Marsh Blackbird. 



Very numerous in the neighborhood of all swamps and streams. In the north 

 western part of the State they are found in almost countless numbers. 



Genus DOLICHONYX, Swains. 



DoLiCHONTX ORYZivoRUS, Linn. Wandering Rice Bird, Bob-o-link. 



I have, in three or four different years, seen a few of these birds in the months 

 of May and June. They never breed here. 



Genus CARDINALIS, Bonap. 

 Cardinalis Virginianos. Grosbeak, Red Bird. 

 Numerous all through the country. 



Genus PIPILO, Vieill. 

 PipiLO erythropthalmus, Linn. Towke Ground Finch. 

 Quite abundant. 



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