10 BIRDS OF CHAUTAUQUA COUIJ^TY. 



the Goldfinch and nearly its entire plumage is dark blue. It ar- 

 rives about the second week of May and is common. 



Tasser domesticm, Tfie English Sparrow, is one of the very few- 

 European species that have been successfully introduced into this 

 country. Indeed, it is now thought that this enterprising little foi- 

 eigner has attained more than his share of success, and like the Chi- 

 naman he is no longer a welcome citizen. I am unable to say when 

 this bird first took up its residence in Chautauqua county. It was 

 first seen in Sinclairville in 1879. It is hardly necessary to say that 

 the Sparrow is a perennial resident and very abundant. 



We have eight members of the Starling famjly: 



Dolichonyx oryzivorvs, The Bobolink appears about the first week 

 of May and is common. His dress of black and white is exchanged 

 about the fii^t of August for one of yellowish brown, after which the 

 noisy, good natured Bobolink becomes a silent, restless Reedbird or 

 Ricebird, and his best friend scarcelv knows him. 



MolotJmis ater, The Cowbird, so named from its seeking the so- 

 ciety of cattle, is not uncommon. It is about the size of the Bluebird, 

 its body dusk}'- and head glo^y brown. It never builds a nest, but is 

 noted for the scandalous pi aciice of depositing its eggs in the nests 

 of other birds. 



lAgelaiuB plioenicen^, The Red-winged Black-bird, is a common 

 resident, appearing about tJie middle of March. 



Stumellamacpia, The Meadow Lark is a common resident during 

 summer, and is occasionally seen in mid-winter. 



Icter^m sptirius, The Orchard Oriole is rare. 



L galbtda, The Baltimore Oriole, attired in orange and black, is a 

 Very noticeable bird. Its voice is loud and piping, and its song 

 varies with the s^sojK^^^^J^isrm^ for architectural skill, build- 



ing a very ingenious pensUeliest. itU common in summer, coming 

 early in May. 



Scolecophagus ferrtigineijijs, The Rusty Blackbird, is a migrant, 

 with us about the first of April. 



Quiscalus purpnreusy The Purple Grakle or Crow Blackbird, is a 

 'common resident, arriving in March, 



^ Corvus frugworiu% The Crow is common, during summer and re- 

 mains with us during mild winters. 



Cganocitta cristata, The Blue Jay is common in localities through- 

 oulf the year. 



'Kremophila alpestris, The Shore Lark is occasionally found at all 

 s(^asons, but is not common 



