5()4 Annals of the Carnegie Museu.m. 



129. Empidonax traillii alnorum. Alder Flycatcher. 



This interesting little flycatcher may breed in this locality, but has 

 been certainly detected only during the spring migration, and appears 

 to be quite rare. A single specimen was taken May 26, 1900, in 

 thick shrubbery. Mr. Bacon secured one bird on May 21, 1894. 



130. Empidonax minimus. Least Flycatcher. 



Tolerably common as a summer resident, at least on the Peninsula. 

 It was first observed in 1900 on May 5, and repeatedly thereafter until 

 the end of the month. It is partial to tracts of shrubbery, as is also 

 the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, but is more apt to be found on their 

 outskirts and in openings than that species. It was unaccountably 

 rare in the fall, and was noticed then on but two occasions — Septem- 

 ber 12 and 27. 



131. Otocoris alpestris. Horned Lark. 



Occurs as a winter resident only, but none have been identified 

 within late years, although special search has been made at the times 

 when it would be expected to occur. Such negative evidence does not, 

 of course, preclude its regular occurrence. There are eight mounted 

 specimens of this form in Mr. Sennett's collection, shot in February 

 and April, and two skins dated respectively February 14 and March 

 24, 1875. (See Dwight, A///c, VII, 1890, 142.) 



132. Otocoris alpestris praticola. Prairie Horned Lark. 



One of the common and characteristic birds of this general region, 

 where it occurs at all seasons of the year, although it is probable that 

 many or all of the winter individuals come from farther north. It 

 breeds quite early in the season : thus, Mr. Bacon found a nest with 

 eggs March 31, 1896, while another nest discovered by him May i, 

 1 90 1, shows that the nesting season is sometimes prolonged. It was 

 noted in the spring of 1900 from March 21, when our observations 

 began, throughout the season, but curiously enough, it was not 

 recorded from the Peninsula until ]\Iay 31, when an immature example 

 was secured there, all the other records referring to single birds 

 or pairs in open fields on the mainland, or seen flying over. 

 Evidently it breeds here, and retires to the Peninsula with its young 

 when they are able to fly. In June of 1897 and 1899 it was found on 

 the outside beach, in the latter year in great abundance, occurring in 

 small parties, perhaps formed by the union of several family groups, as 

 they were composed largely of immature birds, which were quite tame 



