82 BULLETIN UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SUEVEY. [Yol.Y. 



COLAPTES AURATUS, (Linn.) ^w.— Golden-winged Woodpecker. 



During the winter of 1877-78, I sometimes met with this bird in my 

 rambles, but it was not by any means common, and its presence here 

 at that season is an event that only occurs in mild winters. Ordinarily 

 the Golden- winged Woodpecker makes its appearance about the end of 

 April, and from that time till the end of October, when it usually de- 

 parts, is seen in considerable numbers ; generally about the dead oaks, 

 in which it breeds. 



STEIGIDJE. 



Bubo virginianus, (Gm.) B]).— Great Horned Owl. 



This Owl is a summer resident on the " Coteau des Prairies," where 

 I have secured several specunens; it is not by any means common, how- 

 ever. 



Xyctea scandiaca, (L.) ^Qy^t.— Great White Owl. 



Is occasionally seen during the winter on the prairie ,• not, however, in 

 any numbers. 



FALCOISTID^. 



Circus cyaneus hudsonius, (L.) Qowe^.— Marsh Hatch. 



Arrives May 2, and remains until about the middle of October ; is 

 seen in small numbers ; breeds here. 



Elanoides forficatus, (L.) Cones.— Stvallow-tailed Kite. 



The following note is taken from Yol. 3, No. 3, p. 146, Bulletin of the 

 Xuttall Ornithological Club: "I am informed by my valued correspond- 

 ent Dr. C. E. McChesney, U. S. A., of the occurrence of Elanoides forfi- 

 catus at Fort Sisseton, Dakota, during nearly the whole of last winter. 

 The Indians also informed Dr. McChesney of the residence of the bird 

 along the James Eiver in the winter and early spring months, and of its 

 giving them some trouble by springing their traps, occasionally, however, 

 getting caught itself. This account tallies with Trippe's Minnesota record 

 (north of Mille Sac, lat. 47°). While at Pembina, Dakota, lat. 49°, I was 



assured by an officer of the occasional appearance of the bird there. 



Elliott Cones, Washington, D. C." 



I made many attemj^ts to secure a specimen, but the birds were very 

 shy, and I could not succeed in getting within gun-shot range of any, as 

 they would ahght in the highest tree-tops, from which they could watch 

 me and take to wing when necessary. 



AcciPiTER Fuscus, (Gm.) ^^.—Sharp-shinned Hawk. 



Is found in small numbers from May 1 until about the end of October. 

 ^Breeds here. 



AociPiTBR COOPERI, Bp. — Gooper''s HaivTc. 



Cooper's Hawk is a regular spring visitor, but does not remain any 

 time in this vicinity; usually arrives May 18, and none are seen after 

 The end of that month. Is not common. 



