V °1907^ V ] Allison, Spring Birds of Tishomingo Co., Miss. 21 



55. Melospiza lincolnii. Lincoln's Sparrow. — This is another very 

 interesting species. We have never been able to detect it in any other 

 part of the State, and I watched its movements closely after I found it 

 here April 23. 



It proved to be not uncommon, and lingered until May 15. Generally 

 I found them singly, creeping about in some thicket or hedge-row; but 

 sometimes they crept about fences in a rather wren-like way; and one 

 deepened this impression by concealing itself in a pile of cross-ties by the 

 roadside. After May 10 I watched one whose quarters were in a brush- 

 pile by a brook; it often sang, gliding about like a House Wren, a fine 

 liquid warble much like that of this wren, but of sweeter, lower tone, and 

 much longer duration. 



56. Melospiza georgiana. Swamp Sparrow. — I saw none before 

 April 25; it was fairly common April 27, increased May 3, decreased again 

 May 4, and was last seen May 6. 



57. Pipilo erythrophthalmus. Towhee. — Common, and showing 

 no evidence of migratory habits. 



58. Cardinalis cardinalis. Cardinal. — Common, and singing finely 

 and constantly. 



59. Zamelodia ludoviciana. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. — I saw 

 a very handsome male on May 2, with a flock of Bay-breasted Warblers; 

 it uttered a peculiar and indescribable note. 



60. Cyanospiza cyanea. Indigo Bunting. — This species became 

 very abundant April 24 — the first I saw of it. These were mostly males. 

 I heard one sing at night on April 30. It was present mainly in the capacity 

 of a migrant until about May 3, when its numbers decreased; another 

 wave passed through May 9; by May 14 all but breeders were gone, I 

 think, and I found a nest with two eggs on May 15. The birds were very 

 shy, and I saw the brooding mother only after several stealthy approaches. 



61. Piranga erythromelas. Scarlet Tanager. — First seen in Iuka 

 April 17; the next appeared April 22, after which I found them fairly 

 regular until the last left on May 12. Nearly all were males, but I heard 

 the song only once. 



62. Piranga rubra. Summer Tanager. — This bird appeared April 

 19, and was common after April 25. 



63. Progne subis. Purple Martin. — Common in Iuka when I 

 arrived. But evidently migration was not over; for on April 21 a flock 

 of about fifteen martins suddenly appeared, silent as spirits, and alighted 

 in a huddled group on a dead tree near me. On May 3 and 5 a pair pro- 

 spected without success, probably seeking a site for a second nest, in a 

 sparrow-haunted martin-box near the house where I stayed. 



64. Hirundo erythrogastra. Barn Swallow. — Present from the 

 time of my arrival until May 11; but never common, and rarely singing. 



65. Iridoprocne bicolor. Tree Swallow. — I saw some with Rough- 

 winged and Barn Swallows flying over a meadow near Iuka, April 17. 



66. Stelgidopteryx serripennis. Rough-winged Swallow. — I found 



