1883.] NATURAL SCIENCES OF THILADELPHIA. 59 



NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNA. 

 BY CIIAS. H. TOWNSEND. 



Local lists have added so much to our knowledge of the range 

 and distribution of birds, that the following notes are submitted 

 as a contribution to the general fund of information. The species 

 enumerated represent perhaps not more than two-thirds of the 

 actual bird fauna of Westmoreland County. Many more might 

 probably be added, but I wish to restrict this list to those birds 

 identified with certainty, and have given onl}^ such as have come 

 under mj' personal notice, not having enjoyed the advantage of 

 comparing notes with a fellow-naturalist. 



No special effort was made to find new birds, and this catalogue, 

 merel}' the result of observations jotted down from time to time 

 in my note-book, is ver^^ incomplete. It is hoped that its present 

 publication will call forth additional information, so that a supple- 

 mental paper may appear in the future. 



Not having been a constant resident of the county since com- 

 mencing to note the birds, I aould not alwa3's collect at the most 

 fruitful seasons, consequently a large number of migratory birds 

 have escaped notice. The district being wooded and hilly, there 

 are no ver^- extensive marshes to harbor rail, snipe and other 

 swamp-loving birds. I feel confident that the number of water- 

 birds in general will hereafter be largely increased. 



My rambles were mainl}' in the central portions of the count}'^, 

 along the Loyalhanna Creek, and in the vicinity of Latrobe, on 

 the line of the Penna. R. R. The Chestnut Ridge, a range of the 

 Alleghenies, extending through the S. E. part of Westmoreland, 

 is covered with heavy forests, and furrowed by deep wild ravines. 

 Many rare wood-birds doubtless lurk in these secluded spots, and 

 remain to be discovered by any one diligent enough to make the 

 search. 



I may add that I have seldom taken a tramp through the forests 

 of Chestnut Ridge without seeing or shooting one or more birds 

 new to the region. 



The species are arranged according to the second edition of 

 Pr. Coues' Check List. 



