LIST AND DESCRIPTION 103 



World). It is seen on prairie and pasture hills, about straw 

 stacks in winter picking up weed seeds and grain, in our barn- 

 yards during storms feeding with the cattle, and even on coun- 

 try roads gathering spilled grain from the farmer's loaded wagon. 



474b. Prairie Horned Lark (Otocoris alpestris praticola.) 



Some call it "Snow-bird," others do not distinguish it 

 from a Sparrow. It is, however, distinctly marked, with its 

 black crown horseshoe terminating in horns, its black mustache, 

 and its black breast patch. Moreover, the gray of its general 

 plumage is washed, especially on the shoulders, with delicate 

 lilac brown. With the exception of the Great Horned Owl, it is 

 the first bird to nest in spring. A full clutch of eggs has been 

 seen a number of times in March when snowbanks were visible 

 on the distant hills. 



474c. Desert Horned Lark (Otocoris alpestris leucolaema.) 



Similar to the preceding but lighter, the lilac brown tinge 

 not so prominent on back and shoulders. Throat usually yellow. 

 Nesting habits the same as the latter. A resident in the west- 

 ern half of our State. 



FAMILY CORVID^. CROWS, JAYS AND MAGPIES 



This family is well represented in South Dakota, and is 

 so characteristic in habits and plumage that most of them are 

 well known. By varying their food according to season they 

 usually find an adequate supply ; and since they migrate only a 

 short distance they are considered annual residents. The Blue 

 Jay is represented during the winter by only a few stragglers in 

 the southern part of the State. 



Records show that prior to 1880 there were few Crows 

 in the Territory, but that Ravens were frequently seen. At pres- 

 ent conditions are reversed. Has the Crow followed settlers into 

 the State and driven the straggling Ravens farther west ? 



The whole family is in disfavor and has few friends. They 

 all possess thieving qualities and will occasionally despoil birds' 

 and hen's nests of both' eggs and young. 



Though not classed as singers they are the most intelli- 

 gent of our birds and may be taught to articulate some words. 



