Laeks and jays. 55 



anotlier was secured- at Chester, June 4, in a clump of bushes along a 

 creek running through a cultivated field. The only other record 

 for the State is furnished by Miss Cavaness, who reports the bird 

 breeding at Monticello. 



[Least Flyoatclier. Empidonax minimus. 



This little flycatcher, although difficult to distinguish by its colors from the Traill, 

 is easily recognized by its abrupt call. It is a common and regular migrant in the 

 Mississippi Valley, occurring in April and May and again in September and October. 

 Further observations will undoubtedly reveal its presence as a bird of Arkansas.] 



Prairie Homed Lark. Otocoris alpestris praticola. 



The horned lark occiu-s as a migrant and winter visitant and locally 

 as a breeder in the Ozark region. It has been found nesting at 

 Helena only once, in May, 1911. Harvey reports it as "resident" 

 at Fayetteville, and since it is known to occur in summer in several of 

 the southern counties of Missouri * it will probably be found breeding 

 in suitable localities in northern Arkansas. At Helena it is reported 

 to occiu- in migration, and at Van Btiren, December 28, 1910, Hanna 

 saw a flock of 22, from which he collected 5 specimens. Homed 

 larks are hardy birds, nesting in early spring often before the sno^'s 

 have melted. They are ground dwellers for the most part, but at 

 mating time often indulge in a flight song after the maimer of the 

 famous skylark of Europe. 



[Magpie. Pica pica hudsvnia. 



The only evidence of the occurrence of this western species in Arkansas is Audubon's 

 inclusion of that State in his definition of the bird's range.^ It may still occasionally 

 wander into the western part of the State.] 



Blue Jay. Cyanocitta cristata. 



The blue jay is common throughout the State, occiuring both in 

 the lowlands and on the mountains. Although partially migratory 

 in the northern part of its range, it is found in Arkansas dmring the 

 entire year. Probably the native birds migrate to some extent, or 

 at least wander rather widely in search of food, and in winter their 

 numbers are increased by the arrival of migrants from the north. 

 Blue jays are reported abundant in wiater at Fayetteville, Van Buren, 

 Clinton, Stuttgart, and Helena. They breed at all those places and 

 have been noted also in summer at Lake City, McGehee, Wilmot, Rich 

 Moimtain, Pettigrew, and Mammoth Spring. The food of the jay 

 is made up mainly of acorns and other nuts, with the addition of 

 various insects, such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, and a 

 relatively small amount (about 19 per cent of the total) of grain, 

 chiefly corn. 



1 Found by Mr. 0. Widmann near West Plains, Howell County, and between Doniphan and Pleasant 

 Grove, Ripley County. (Reported in a letter to tbe author.) 



2 Birds of America, IV, p. 103, 18S6. 



