LIST AND DESCRIPTION 129 
over the State. It is a slim Sparrow-like bird with a long hind- 
toe nail. Upper parts brownish gray; below, brownish gray, 
streaked with black on sides of breast. Sexes are alike in plum- 
age but vary slightly with season to a buffy appearance. Song 
uttered while on the wing. 
700. SpraGcue’s Pipit; “TiITLaRK” (Anthus spraguei.) 
A common migrant in the eastern part of the State, nest- 
ing in the western part. Very similar to the American Pipit but 
more buffy above and below and streaked with brownish black. 
A bird of the plains with feeding habits resembling those 
of the Horned Larks. It delivers its song while in a soaring 
flight. Dr. Elliott Coues says, “The song itself possesses all 
the qualities which have made the European Skylark famous.” 
FAMILY CINCLID A. DIPPERS 
701. Dierer (Cinclus mexicanus unicolor.) 
The Dipper or Water Ouzel is a slate colored Thrush 
found in South Dakota which the ordinary observer would never 
suspect of being a Thrush. It is a bird of the mountains and of 
the tumbling water of rock bottomed streams. Within our 
State, therefore, it is found only in the Black Hills. These birds 
love the rocks in midstream that are partially submerged. Here 
they are accustomed to feed by dipping under the water with 
head upstream. The song resembles somewhat that of the 
Brown Thrasher but is sweeter and more subdued. 
FAMILY MIMIDA. THRASHERS, MOCKING BIRDS 
702. SacrE THRASHER (Oreoscoptes montanus.) 
A summer resident west of the Missouri River. Smaller 
than the Brown Thrasher. Brownish gray above; below, white 
streaked with black; outer tail feathers tipped with white. 
703a. WesTERN Mockinc Birp (Mimus polyglottos leucopterus.) 
South Dakota is north of the range of the Western 
Mockers, although they are occasionally seen in the Black Hills 
or along streams on the adjacent plains. These matchless song- 
sters are ashy gray above and soiled white below, with wing 
