54 



parts of the State. In 1806 they probably extended to its northern boundary. In 

 1835 they were last seen in Franklin County ; 1839 in Switzerland County ; 1832 in 

 Marion County ; 1836 in Monroe County ; 1844 in Clark County ; 1849 in Greene 

 -County ; 1858 in Posey County, and with that the State. They have so contracted 

 their range and become so reduced in numbers that none are probably now closer 

 io us than Southwestern Missouri, Western Arkansas or Indian Territory. Over 



Carolina Paroquet. 



the southern portion of our State these birds were present throughout the year. 

 It is said they roosted and bred in hoi low- trees. Mr. W. B. Seward, of Blooming- 

 ton, told me of his securing some young ones which were taken from a hollow-tree. 

 They preferred the vallies of rivers and streams. In fall and winter their favorite 

 food was the " cuckle-burr" or "cockle-burr " (Xanthium canadense Mill,) which grew 

 abundantly on the river bottoms. In spring they were very destructive to orchards, 

 biting out the tender shoots and eating the blossoms and young fruit. In summer 

 they lived largely on fruit and grain. 



ORDER COCCYGES. CUCKOOS, ETC. 



SUBORDER CUCULI. CUCKOOS, ETC. 



FAMILY CUCULHXE. CUCKOOS, ANIS, ETC. 



SUBFAMILY COCCYGIN^E. AMERICAN CUCKOOS. 



GKXUS COCCYZUS VIEILLOT. 

 *145. Coccyzus americanus (Linn.). YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. 



Common summer resident, arrives early in May and remains until early in 

 October. April 23, 1888 (Greensburg), and October 13 (Sedan, Dekalb County) 



