ANDERSON — THE BIRDS OF IOWA. 305 



type of the species. Twenty years ago the western Lark was con- 

 sidered uncommon: at present they are largely in the majority" 

 (M. E. Peck). "Do not know the proportion it bears to the pre- 

 ceding. They appeared last fall (1903) to be more common in 

 migration than as breeders in Linn county" (Charles R. Keyes). 

 "Rare about Decorah, but becoming more common. Mere com- 

 mon in western portion of Winneshiek county" (Dr. C.C. Smith). 

 Found in Winnebago and Hancock counties in about the same 

 numbers as S. magna (Anderson). 



Subfamily ICTERINyE. American Orioles. 

 Genus Icterus Brisson. 

 Subgenus Pendulinits Vieillot. 



219. (506). Icterus spiirms {\Jv\\\\.). Orchard Oriole. 



The Orchard Oriole is a common summer resident in all parts 

 of Iowa, arriving about the first of May and departing in Septem- 

 ber. B. H. Wilson reports the earliest date of arrival as April 26, 

 in Scott count}'. The eggs are laid from the latter part of May 

 until the middle of June; three to four in number. The nest is a 

 ver}' beautiful structure, not exactl}- pensile, but generally sus- 

 pended between slender twigs of upright branches, composed of 

 fine green grass blades, which cure like hay, retaining some 

 greenness for a long time, and is lined with cottony substances. 

 The nests are not generally placed so high as the Baltimore Ori- 

 ole's, from ten to thirty feet from the ground, usually in artificial 

 groves, Lombardy poplars or willows, near houses or in orchards. 

 The song of the Orchard Oriole is loud, clear, and richly modu- 

 lated. 



Subgenus Yph antes Vieillot. 



220. (507). Ideriis galbula (Linn.). Baltimore Oriole. 



The beautiful Baltimore Oriole is an abundant summer resident 

 in all parts of the state, arriving about the first of May and re- 

 maining until the middle of September. It is one of our most 

 familiar birds, known by its clear, whistling notes and by the won- 

 derfully woven nest, which is suspended like a pouch from the 

 top of some swaying branch. The favorite nesting site appears 

 to be elm trees and maples, in dooryards, and sometimes in pop- 

 lars, willQws, cottonwoods, etc. The bird is equally at home 



