Vol. XVII 
1900 
Recent Literature. 3 93 
? 
annual spring and fall migration.” The list proper is preceded}( pp. 3-8) 
by a very detailed account of the physical conditions of the region, the 
varied topography giving rise toa number of markedly different areas, 
although the higher portions of the country, in the northwestern part of 
the State, do not exceed an elevation of four hundred feet. The list num- 
bers 323 species and subspecies, and a list of 22 others is given as of prob- 
able occurrence, several of which we are surprised to see lack confirma- 
tion as inhabitants of the State. The annotations are for the most part 
brief, but add greatly to the value of the paper, stating fully the manner 
of occurrence of the birds as known to the writer. While the nomencla- 
ture of the A. O. U. Check-List is followed, the changes in names made in 
the last (ninth) Supplement are not adopted, the paper having been pre- 
sented for publication in March, 1899, though not printed till a year or 
more later. The information conveyed in the present list concerning the 
species that breed in the State is especially important, and helps to define 
at least where many of our common northern species do not breed. It is sur- 
prising, however, to find that the White-bellied Swallow ( Zachycineta 
bicolor) ‘‘ occurs everywhere in the State, and at all times of the year.” 
The Burrowing Owl (Sfeotyto cunicularia -hypogea) is stated to be 
*‘quite numerous on the prairies, and it undoubtedly breeds there as 
well.” Probably the identifications of a few of the species will bear 
revision, as the Horned Larks, the Seaside Sparrows, and the Prairie 
Hen, which latter is most likely the subspecies attwatert. The list 
evinces, however, careful and conscientious work and is a most welcome 
and exceptionally important addition to our list of faunal papers. — 
Wo #aNo wae 
Burns’s ‘A Monograph of the Flicker.’'—In his praiseworthy mono- 
graph Mr. Burns presents the results of his devotion to the study of this 
species ‘‘ the leisure moments of five years,’ with ‘‘the generous aid of a 
large corps of enthusiasts.” Although the literature of the subject has 
been extensively utilized, the monograph is based to a large extent upon 
the author’s own observations and those of his many correspondents, and 
is therefore to a large degree new material. The paper gives first the 
names of the species, both technical and vernacular, with an account of 
their probable origin and significance, the vernacular names alone, includ- 
ing their variants, numbering at least one hundred. Then follows a 
detailed treatment of all the principal incidents of the birds’ natural his- 
tory, as its geographical distribution, migrations, manner of flight, roost- 
ing, ‘drum calls,’ its varied notes, calls and song period, mating, nesting 
habits, eggs, molt, food, enemies, etc., even to hybridism and atavism. 
In short, the eighty-two pages constituting the ‘Monograph’ are well 
1A Monograph of the Flicker (Co/aptes auratus). By Frank L. Burns. 
The Wilson Bulletin, No. 31, April, 1900, pp. 1-82. Price, 50 cts. 
