9 7 Pi 



726. Gertliia familiaris americana (Bonap.). [55.] Brown Creeper. 



Breeds chiefly along our northern border. The migratory movements 

 of this species are peculiar. Dr. Goues says that it is "almost station- 

 ary," and yet there is probably no individual of the species that re- 

 mains in the same latitude the whole year, while it is true that a few 

 individuals may be found far north in winter and an equal number far 

 south in summer. The bulk of the species migrates with more or less 

 regularity. In 1883-'84 it was found wintering in Indian Territory, 

 Missouri, Kansas, southern Wisconsin, and "very rarely" in southern 

 Dakota. In previous years it has been found wintering up to latitude 

 45°, but beyond that point none of the Mississippi Valley observers 

 have noted it in winter. During cold weather it remains among the 

 heaviest timber, and hence would be seen by very few of the observers, 

 but during its migration it can be found almost anywhere. From the 

 fact that a few individuals wintered all along the Mississippi Valley, it 

 is very difficult to trace its spring movements with accuracy. Dr. 

 Coues implies that it breeds throughout its range, but instances of its 

 breeding south of latitude 41° must be very rare. Indeed there is no 

 such case recorded from the whole State of Illinois, and all observers 

 south of latitude 41° agree in calling it either a winter resident or a 

 transient visitor. Mr. T. M. Trippe, in a contribution on the "Birds of 

 Colorado," which appeared in Coues's "Birds of the Northwest," stated 

 (p. 230): 



Abuudant during the winter, from 7,000 feet up to 9,00{) feet, and probably ranging 

 considerably higher and lower. Breeds sparingly in the upper woods, within a few 

 hundred feet of timber-line. Appears at Idaho late in the fall, and becomes very com- 

 mon as soon as- the weather becomes cold, great uumbers coming in from other re- 

 gions. 



There seems to be little doubt that the bulk of the species breeds in 

 the heavy forests along our northern bound ary, and for a considerable 

 distance beyond. The spring migration in 1884 began about the middle 

 of March, and was at its height from April 10 to April 20, at which date 

 the species was found migrating over all the northern half of the Mis- 

 sissippi Valley and in British America. It arrived at Oak Point, Mani- 

 toba, April 17. The migration was completed south of latitude 45° 

 about the 1st of May. 



In the fall of 1884 the Brown Creeper was reported as reaching Elk 

 Eiver, Minnesota, September 25, where it was last seen October 17. It 

 was first reported from Des Moines, Iowa, November 8; and last from 

 Mount Oarmel, Mo., September 21. 



In the spring of 1885 there was no regularity in the reports of the 

 northward migration of the Brown Creeper. The records extend from 

 April 1 at Saint Louis, Mo., to April 15 at Elk River, Minnesota. The 

 last was seen at Saint Louis April 26, which is a later date than it was 

 reported from any other station. 



In the fall of 1885 the nine records of migration received were irregu- 



