10 BIRDS OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY. 



the Goldfinch and nearly its entire plumage is dark blue. It ar- 

 rives about the second week of May and is common. 



Passer domesticus, The English Sparrow, is one of the very few 

 European species that have been successfully introduced into this 

 country. Indeed, it is now thought that this enterprising little for- 

 eigner has attained more than his share of success, and like the Chi- 

 naman he is no longer a welcome citizen. I am unable to say when 

 this bird first took up its residence in ChauUuqua county. It was 

 first seen in Sinclairville in 1879. It is hardly necessary to say that 

 the Sparrow is a perennial resident and very abundant. 



We have eight members of the Starling family: 



Dolichonyx oryzivorus, The Bobolink appears about the first week 

 of May and is common. His dress of black and white is exchanged 

 about the first of August for one of yellowish brown, after which the 

 noisy, good natured Bobolink becomes a silent, restless Reedbird or 

 Ricebird, and his best friend scarcely knows him. 



Molothrus ater, The Cowbird, so named from its seeking the so- 

 ciety of cattle, is not uncommon. It is about the size of the Bluebird, 

 its body dusky and head glossy brown. It never builds a nest, but is 

 noted for the scandalous practice of depositing its eggs in the nests 

 of other birds. 



Agelaius phoeniceus, The Red-winged Black-bird, is a common 

 resident, appearing about the middle of March. 



Sturnellamagua, The Meadow Lark is a common resident during 

 summer, and is occasionally seen in mid- winter. 



Icterus spurius, The Orchard Oriole is rare. 



/. galbula, The Baltimore Oriole, attired in orange and black, is a 

 very noticeable bird. Its voice is loud and piping, and its song 

 varies with the season. It is remarkable for architectural skill, build- 

 ing a very ingenious pensile nest. It is common in summer, coming 

 early in May. 



Scolecophagus ferruginens, The Rusty Blackbird, is a migrant, 

 with us about the first of April. 



Quiscalus purpureus, The Purple Grakle or Crow Blackbird, is a 

 common resident, arriving in March, 



Corvm frugivorus, The Crow is common, during summer and re- 

 mains with us during mild winters. 



Cyanocitta cristata, The Blue Jay is common in localities through- 

 out the year. 



Kremophila alpestris, The Shore Lark is occasionally found at all 

 seasons, but is not common. 



