BIRDS OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, 



In a paper of this character it is of course impossible to give any 

 extended description of our various species of birds, or their habits, 

 songs, phimage, migration, nests and eggs, or to more than touch 

 upon the numerous other interesting branches of the subject. I shall 

 endeavor to do little else than present a list of such birds as have 

 actually come under my observation in the course of considerable 

 rambling about the fields and forests of the central part of the county, 

 during several years past. This will comprise just 150 species, which 

 I think embraces all that are in any degree connnon in the locality 

 mentioned. There are a number of other species whose occasional 

 presence is probable and whose names could doubtless be safely added, 

 but having as yet never actually met with them, I prefer to wait till 

 I can speak of them authoritatively. This is offered only in the 

 absence of more complete data, 



Hylockhla mustilina, The Wood Thrush is a forest bird possessed of 

 a beautiful song, of which much has been written, but it is not com- 

 mon in this region. 



H. ustulata swainson% The Olive-backed Thrush is rare. 



H. unalascaepallasi, The Hermit Thrush is common^ and his clear 

 flute-like voice is familiar to every one who has occasion to enter the 

 cool shade of the forests in summer. It arrives in April. 



Merula migratonaj The Robin is undoubtedly the most widely dis- 

 tributed and abundant of our birds. It makes its appearance in 

 February or March, depending upon the weather. 



Galeoscoptes Carolinensis, The Catbird is a near relative of the Mock- 

 ingbird and also remarkable for great versatility of voice, is a common 

 summer resident, coming in the latter part of April or first of May, 



Harporleynclms rufus^ The Brown Thrush or Thrasher occasionally 

 resides with us during summer, but is by no means common. 



