iSSS-l Richmond, Birds Breeding in District of Cohtinhio. 2 1. 



62. Spiza americana. Dickcissel. — Extremely rare. This bird is 

 said to have been abundant, formerly, but it appears to have withdrawn 

 almost entirely from this vicinity. A male was seen bv Mr. Henshaw 

 about the last of May, 1SS7. It was very likely nesting. 



63. Piranga erythromelas. Scarlet Tanagek. — Qj^iite rare. Mr. 

 W. F. Robei-ts has taken young birds. 



64. Piranga rubra. Summer Taxager. — Very uncommon. I'ound a 

 nest July 4. iSS.v containing three fresh eggs. 



65. Progne subis. Purple Martin. — Rather common. There are 

 several nesting sites where the Martins still 'hold the fort.' despite the 

 English Spari-ows, notably the Masonic Temple and the Post Otiice De- 

 partment building. 



66. Petrochelidon lunifrons. Cliff Swallow. — Rare. 



67. Chelidon erythrogaster. Barn Swallow. — Very common. Begins 

 nesting about the third week in May. 



6S. Clivicola riparia. Bank Swallow. — Very common. 



69. Stelgidopteryx serripennis. Rough-winged Swallow. — Com- 

 mon. Numbers of these birds nest along the river in crevices among 

 the rocks. I know of a small colony that frequents a stone culvert, over 

 which is a railroad track, and through which a small stream passes. This 

 culvert is built of rough uncut stones, and presents innumerable fine nest- 

 ing sites for the Swallows. One nest found here was placed in a crevice 

 about one foot above running water, and contained young. Six or seven 

 eggs are laid, and first clutches are completed by May 17. A set of seven 

 eggs found during June, 1SS7, contained six of this species and one of the 

 Barn Swallow. 



70. Ampelis cedrorum. Cedar Waxwing. — Common. The Cedar- 

 bird does not nest till late in the season, and is sometimes eccentric about 

 choosing a nesting place. A nest found within the city limits was situ- 

 ated in a lamp post, and contained one egg. It will forsake its nest on 

 the slightest provocation, even after laying one or more eggs. 



71. Vireo olivaceus. Red-eyed Vireo. — Abundant. The nesting 

 season usually begins about the last week in IMa\-. A nest. 

 M. Thompson, was in a small shrub only a foot and a h 

 ground. One egg of a set of three in the possession of the 

 spotted. 



72. Vireo gilvus. Waruling Vireo. — Uncommon. The rarest of the 

 breeding Vireos. 



73. Vireo flavifrons. Yellow-throateu Vireo. — Rather common. 

 It appears to nest much earlier than oliz'ciccits. 



74. Vireo noveboracensis. White-eyed \'ireo. — Rather common. 



75. Mniotilta varia. Black-and-white Warbler. — Common. Have 

 found fully Hedged young by June 14. 



76. Helmitherus vermivorus. Worm-eaiing Wariu.ek.^ — Not lare. 

 Discovered a nest on a steep hillside bordering on Rock Creek, May 31, 

 1SS5, containing six eggs, well incubated. The nest was large for the 

 size of the bird, and very loosely constructed. The outer part was com- 



