124 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 



now becoming; abundant. Its old habit of impaling- insects and 

 small reptiles on thorns, is perpetuated here. The American Gold 

 Finch, or Yellow Bird (C. cristatus), is a regular summer visitant. 

 The buntings make things lively in winter. Five species come to 

 Nebraska during this season. Among these, the Snow Bunting 

 (Plectrophanes nivalis) is the most common. The Chestnut-collared 

 Bunting is scarcely less common, and breeds here. Ten species, at 

 least, of sparrows come to Nebraska, some of which are only 

 present during their migrations. One of the most abundant is the 

 Yellow-winged Sparrow. Great numbers of Lincoln's Sparrows 

 pass through Nebraska on their migrations. The Long Sparrow 

 is becoming more abundant each year, but the Tree Sparrow is only 

 present in winter. The Chipping, Clay-colored and White- 

 throated Sparrow are all rather common. 



The Cardinal Grosbeak {Cardinalis Virginianus), is common 

 in southern Nebraska. This beautiful bird so much admired as a 

 caged pet, is rapidly on the increase. One owned by Mrs. Chap- 

 man in Plattsmouth, often wants to share half its worm or insect 

 with its mistress. 



The American Starlings are represented by many species. Among 

 the most common are the Bobolink, Cow- Blackbird, Red- winged 

 Blackbird, and Yellow-headed Blackbird. All these are very 

 abundant. 



One of the most abundant as well as most popular of Nebraska 

 birds is the Meadow Lark. Its magnificent song in spring can be 

 heard in all parts of the State and cheers every heart. 



The orioles are becoming more abundant each year. The Balti- 

 more and Orchard Oriole are especially becoming common. The 

 Grackles are also here in large numbers, particularly Brewers and 

 the Crow-Blackbird. The crow family is. most largely represented, 

 as elsewhere, by the Common Crow, though the Magpie is found 

 in northern and western Nebraska. The Blue Jay is unfortunately 

 found in places in large numbers. It is well known that it is 

 destructive to the eggs and young of other birds, and should there- 

 fore be kept reduced in numbers by being made a target for 

 sportsmen. 



The Fly Catchers are well represented by eleven species. The 

 King Bird is one of the most common. The Arkansas Fly Catcher 

 is common only along wooded streams. The Least Fly Catcher 

 is the most abundant, being found in almost every part of the State. 



