290 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis. 



in February, but more often during the second or third week 

 in March. A flock numbering over two thousand birds was 

 seen on February 21, 1916. By April 15th only stragglers are 

 seen. The southward flight passes through in October, tapering 

 off into November. A few birds may be found here during mild 

 and open winters. 



EUPHAGUS CYANOCEPHALTJS (Wagler). Brewer's Blackbird. 

 Rare migrant. 



Three sight records of this bird constitute the only known evi- 

 dence of its occurrence here. Since the Brewer's Blackbird may 

 be easily mistaken in the field for the Bronzed Grackle, it may 

 often go unnoticed in flocks of the latter. It has been observed on 

 the prairie regions of Jackson County once, and in the bottoms 

 twice, but no specimens have been taken. It is very desirable 

 to obtain more data relative to this species, as well as more sat- 

 isfactory proof of its local occurrence. Its migration through 

 this region is probably coincident with that of the Rusty Black- 

 bird. 



QUISCALUS QUISCULA AENEUS Ridgway. Bronzed Grackle. 

 Common summer resident. 



A few hardy and impatient Grackles sometimes arrive late in 

 February, but it is usually mid-March before many are present. 

 The bulk of the flight arrives still later, during late March and 

 the first week in April. The return migration occupies October 

 and early November and a few may be present until well into 

 December. 



Grackles are very common within the city, where their habit 

 of occupying common roosts in shade trees, usually over side- 

 walks, makes them a great nuisance. These roosts are not easily 

 broken up and many residents of the south side of the city have 

 had trying experiences in ridding their neighborhoods of this 

 pest. The most effectual method is to shoot Roman-candles into 

 the trees after the birds have settled for the night. 



Family FRINGILLIDAE. Finches, Sparrows, etc. 



HESPERIPHONA VESPERTINA VESPERTINA (W. Cooper). Evening 



Grosbeak. 

 Very rare and irregular winter visitant. 



Only during occasional winters is this district invaded by 



