LIST OF THE BIRDS SEEN 83 



Indigo Bunting (Passcrina cyanea). One seen in the Slim Buttes 

 early in June probably a wanderer. 



Lazuli Bunting (Passerina ainoena). A rare breeder in the 

 forested buttes. 



Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melcmocorys). One of the most 

 numerous summer residents of the plain. Most of the males 

 have moulted by August first, when migration is under way. 

 However, a mother was observed to feed a fledgeling as late 

 as August 31. 



The Lark Bunting is commonly known as the "White- 

 winged Blackbird" which name is chiefly objectional because 

 this bird belongs to the finch, sparrow, or bunting family, and 

 is therefore not a blackbird. In fact only the male can ever 

 be called black and he wears his sable robes during but 

 three or four months. During the rest of the year he re- 

 sembles the greyish brown female. 



He is a delightful songster. He flies to a height of a few 

 rods and then flutters slowly down to earth singing a stimu- 

 lating lay throughout. 



During the nesting season I have observed no tendency 

 to flock, but afterwards when the immature are able to fly they 

 gather sometimes in immense flocks and sit around on the 

 fences and weeds "as if they had nothing to do." 



\Yestern Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) . An abundant breeder in 

 the Short Pines in June, 1911. 



Cliff Swallow (Petrochclidon lunifrons lunifrons). Abundant 

 nester on the cliffs of badlands and along streams wherever 

 such cliffs occur. The only swallow seen frequently. 



Barn Swallow (Hinindo crytJirogastra). A pair or two nest 

 about the sheds of each of the old ranches, and in Camp 

 Crook. They do not wander far from their nests. 



The Barn Swallow is perhaps our best known swallow, 

 though we have several others which are very abundant in 

 many localities. Our other kinds are all colony builders, but 

 the Barn Swallow generally nests a pair or two to a barn. It 

 builds an open mud nest. The Eve or Cliff Swallow makes 

 a covered mud nest ; the Bank and Rough-winged burrow into 

 banks, while the Tree Swallow nests in trees and the Violet 

 green in crevices in cliffs and the Martin in bird boxes. 



