2 2 Richmond, Birds Breeding {71 District of Columbia. [JanuaiT 



(estiva, D. discolor, and other small birds, but since then has not found 

 one. Molotliriis generally lays its eggs in nests of birds smaller than itself, 

 and which lay similar spotted eggs. Have occasionally found its &^^ in 

 the nest of the Chipping Sparrow, and once in a Bluebird's nest situated 

 in a hole in a fence post. This nest contained two eggs of the Cowbird, 

 almost exact counterparts of each other, and probably laid by the same 

 bird. 



44. Agelaius phceniceus. Red-winged Blackbird. — Common. 



45. Sturnella magna. Meadowlark. — Common. 



46. Icterus spurius. Orchard Oriole. — Uncommon. 



47. Icterus galbula. Baltimore Oriole. — Very uncommon. 



48. Quiscalus quiscula. Purple Crackle. — Abundant. Breeds in 

 communities. Nests exclusively in cedar or other coniferous trees. Eggs 

 may be found the first week in April, five or six being laid. 'Runt' eggs 

 are sometimes found. Two broods are raised, perhaps three. 



49. Passer domesticus. European House Sparrow. — This little 

 renegade is excessively abundant. They are frequently seen building nests 

 during mild da^ys in winter, and rear four or five broods a year, probably 

 more. In June, large numbers, mostly young birds, congregate about 

 grain fields and along country roads, where they remain until harvest time 

 is over. Eggs generally five or six; nest lavishly lined with feathers. 



50. Loxia curvirostra minor. American Crossbill. — Extremely 

 rare. An adult male accompanied by one young bird was seen by Mr. 

 Hugh M. Smith on May 17, 1SS5. This species has been known to breed 

 in Maryland. (See 'The Auk,' Vol. I, p. 292, and Vol. II, p. 379.) 



51. Spinus tristis. American Goldfinch. — Very common. A late 

 breeder, hardly beginning to nest before the middle of July. Mr. Smith 

 has taken eggs as late as August 30. Eggs five or six. 



52. Poocaetes gramineus. Vesper Sparrow. — Rather common. 



53. Ammodramus savannarum passerinus. Grasshopper Sparrow. — 

 Common. 



54. Ammodramus henslowii. Henslow's Sparrow. — Very common 

 around Falls Church, Va., a short distance from Washington. 



55. Spizella socialis. Chipping Sparrow. — Very common. Three 

 broods are raised. 



56. Spizella pusilla. Field Sparrow. — Abundant. Often nests on 

 the ground. Three broods are reared. 



57. Melospiza fasciata. Song Sparrow. — Abundant. Commonly 

 nests on the ground and in low bushes. One nest found was in a cedar, 

 seven feet from the ground. 



58. Pipilo erythrophthalmus. Towhee. — Common. Three or four 

 eggs generally constitute a clutch. 



59. Cardinalis cardinalis. Cardinal. — Common. Have never found 

 more than three eggs in a nest. 



60. Guiraca caerulea. Blue Grosbeak. — Rare. 



61. Passerina cyanea. Indigo Bunting. — Common. Begins nesting 

 first week in June. Four c<. 



