KEYES AND WILLIAMS BIRDS OF IOWA. 149 



Family AMPELID2E. Wax-wings, Etc. 



Subfamily AMPEL1N7E. Wax-wings. 



Genus AMPELIS Linn.eus. 



[B 232, R 150, C 166, U 618.] 



Ampelis garrulus Linn. Bohemian Wax-wing. Winter visitant; 



rather rare. During the winter of 1879-80 large Mocks of these birds 



visited the north-west. They came familiarly about the towns, feeding 



upon the berries of the mountain ash. 



[B233, R 151, C 167, U 619.] 

 Ampelis cedrorum (Vieill.). Cedar Wax- wing. Spring and fall 

 migrant; abundant, and resident in small numbers throughout the year. 

 In the fall it is noticed in abundance towards the last of October, feed- 

 ing upon berries, with the juice of which its plumage, at this season, is 

 much soiled. In the spring it is usually seen in small flocks towards 

 the last of March or early in April. It appears in the orchards, feed- 

 ing upon the apples which happen to be left upon the trees, and fre- 

 quently alighting on the ground below and gorging itself with the decay- 

 ing fruit. At Des Moines it is observed all the year. Nesting is 

 postponed until late in the season, seldom being commenced before the 

 first of July. Eggs have been taken at Iowa City, Charles City, and 

 other localities in the State. 



Family LANIID.£E. Shrikes. 



Genus LANIUS Linx-kus. 



[B 236, R 148, C 186, U 621.] 

 La/iius borealis Vieill. Northern Shrike. Winter resident. Not 

 uncommon from the last of October to March. When seen, it is usually 

 solitary, and perched upon the topmost twig of some tree along road- 

 sides. This and the next species are often confounded, and it has sev- 

 eral times been reported as breeding within the limits of the State. 



[B 238, R 149 «, C 188, U 622 a.\ 

 Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides (Swains. ). White-rumped Shrike. 

 Summer resident; rather common. Begins nesting about the last of 

 April ; probably raising two broods in a season. On several occasions 

 the full complement of eggs has been taken in the middle of June, after 

 the earlier birds of the season are fledged and able to take care of 

 themselves. The osage orange hedges are favorite nesting sites for 

 this species. The nest is rather large, composed of sticks, twigs, leaves, 

 hair, and an abundance of feathers. The eggs are usually six in num- 

 ber. When the young are fledged, it is not uncommon to see the whole 



