57 



Genus Centurus Sw. 



55. C. carolinus Bonap. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. Common 

 in the bottoms. 



Genus Melanerpes Sw. 



66. M. erythrocephalus Sw. BED-HEADED WOODPECKER. Com- 

 mon in clearings in the bottoms. 



Genus Colaptes Sw. 



57. C. auratus Sw. YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER. Two specimens 

 observed near Mound City. 



Family PAL COMID.. 

 Genus Palco Auct. 



58. P. sparverius Linn. SPARROW HAWK. Common everywhere 

 about clearings and the borders of woods. 



Genus Nauclerus Vig. 



59. "N. forftcatus fiidg. SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. Numerous in 

 the immediate vicinity of Cairo, where I was informed it had been 

 abundant the week previous to my arrival. 



At the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi. Rivers is a long point 

 bearing a growth of cottonwoods. The river was so high during my 

 visit that the land was submerged, thus causing a great many grass- 

 hoppers to take refuge in the tree tops. This afforded the kites a fine 

 opportunity for capturing their prey, of which they were not long in 

 taking advantage. The kites would first appear about ten o'clock and 

 in a small flpck would proceed to work in the following manner : The 

 trees were situated in an oblong patch and the kites would hunt 

 around the border, making a complete circuit. They kept but a few 

 feet above the tree-tops and when a grasshopper was observed, by a 

 turn of the long tail and a sweep of the wings, the bird would dart 

 towards its prey until within reach, when with a sudden upward turn 

 it would reach forth its feet and, grasping the insect, proceed with 

 outstretched wings to feed upon the remains of its victim while pass- 

 ing slowly along with its companions. As each grasshopper was cap- 

 tured the bird's abdomen and tail' would brush against the leaves with 

 aloud "swish;" inconsequence the feathers upon the abdomen and 

 under tail coverts were badly worn and discolored. 



Their hunting usually continued until about one o'clock, P.M., when 

 they would leave to return at the usual time the next morning. 



ESSEX IXST. BULLETIN. IX 4 



