77 



Gencs SPIZA Bonaparte. 



"222. Spiza amerioana (O'me/.). Dickcissel ; Bi.ack-tiiroated BrxiiNG ; Little Meadow 

 Lark. 



Abundant summer resident ; breeds. It inhabits the meadows, where its sharp, 

 metallic notes are heard, reminding me of the sound made by dropping five silver 

 dollars from one hand to the other somewhat rapidly. Tnis bird seems to be of 

 recent occurrence, in southeastern Indiana at least. It was not recognized in 

 Franklin County until within the last twenty years. Dr. Haymond had not seen 

 it in 1869. Now it is one of the most characteristic birds of the upland fields, 

 but is rarely found in the river vallies. 



Family TANAGRID.E. Tanagees. 



Genus PIRANRA Vieillot. 

 ''223. Piranga erythromelas }'ieiU. Scarlet Tanauer ; " Black-winged Redbird." 



Common summer resident throughout the State. Breeds. A bird well known 

 to those who are familiar with the more open woodland. The brilliant livery of 

 the male makes it an attractive form among the cool woodland pastures. 



*224. Piranga rubra (.Linn.). Summer Redbird. 



Common summer resident over most of southern Indiana, rare east of White- 

 water Biver. Tiiey have been noted as far north as " Shades of Death " ( Parke 

 County), Terre Haute and Greencastle Breeds. This bird is not so brilliant as 

 the last mentioned species and the male lacks the black wings. Over the more hilly 

 region ot southwestern Indiana they far outnumber the Scarlet Tanagers. They 

 appear in southern Indiana in spiing, .April 18 io 23, and it has been noted by Mr. 

 Ridgway at Wheatland, in the auiuran as iate as October 10 (Orn. of 111., Vol. I, 

 p. 218.) 



Family HIRUNDINID^E. Swallows. 



Uei;us PROGNE Boie. 



224. Progne subis {Linn.). Purple Martin. 



Common summer resident in localities where they can find nesting sites. In 

 many localities they are unknown or rare. In southeastern Indiana but a small 

 number is now to be found, compared with those which formerly visited us. They 

 have disappeared before the pugnacious English Sparrow, which occupied their 

 nesting boxes, and notwithstanding heroic and long continued efforts upon the part 

 of the Marlins to expel the invaders, they were unsuccea-'ful and retreated, leaving 

 the Sparrows to " hold the fort." The Martins returned for a few years and each 

 year attempted to regain their former homes, but met with repeated repulses and 

 at last ceased lo fight for their homes. These birds are much prized by our people. 



Genis PETROCHELIDON Cabanis. 



'225. Petroohelidon lunifrons (Soi/.). Cliff Swallow; Eave Swallow: "Mud Dau- 

 ber; " Square-tailed Barn Swallow. 



Abundant summer resident in certain localities. Breed. They generally 

 frequent a locality in colonies, and do not usually return to the same breeding 

 place each year. Sometimes, however, a single pair or a few pair will be found at 

 a considerable distance from any large colony. It was formerly supposed that the 

 species had quite recently extended its range to the Eastern U. S., but it is now 



