MICHIGAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 
189 
encing bird life at this time. Nearly all the seeds eaten by ground birds 
are very plentiful and are the controlling factor in the distribution of the 
birds at this time. 
CHARACTERISTIC BIRDS. 
Octocoris alpestris praticola Hensh. Prairie Horned Lark. This bird is 
found throughout the winter and feeds extensively on the seeds of amaranth, 
crabgrass, ragweed and pigweed. The bird is quite tame and when feeding 
allows a close approach. The depth of snow does not seem to interfere 
with these birds, for the tall stems of amaranth which constitutes their 
principal food are seldom covered. During stormy weather they resort to 
the thick patches of weeds, but when the snow begins to melt off they go 
into the grassy meadow. Usually flocks of six to twenty-five are found. 
Late in February most of the Larks disappear, only a few remaining to nest. 
Unlike most of the winter ground birds, no other birds are found associated 
with them. 
SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES. 
Small flocks of Juncoes and Tree Sparrows come out into the meadow to 
feed on the abundant seeds. Associated with them are often found a few 
Goldfinches. If disturbed these birds take refuge in the bushes of nearby 
habitats. In mild winters a few Mourning Doves remain here and feed in 
the stubble fields. 
BIRDS OF STATION IV. (OPEN DRY MEADOWS.) 
1. Killdeer. Common in summer and fall; probably breeds. 
2. Bob White. Exceedingly rare. 
3. Mourning Dove. Common after nesting season to late fall. 
4. Short-eared Owl. Very rare; found in long grass. 
5. Flicker. Found feeding during spring, summer and fall. 
6. Night Hawk. Rather common summer resident. 
7. Kingbird. Feeds upon insects in meadow; common. 
8. Prairie-Horned Lark. Common winter resident. 
9. American Crow. A few found feeding in meadow. 
10. Bobolink. Not common; breeds. 
11. Cowbird. Found feeding around cattle. 
12. Red-winged Blackbird. Large flocks feed here in fall. 
13. Meadowlark. Common summer resident; breeds. 
14. Bronzed Crackle. Feeds here in spring and fall. 
15. American Goldfinch. Abundant in summer ; small flocks seen in winter. 
16. Vesper Sparrow. Common summer resident ; breeds. 
17. Lark Sparrow. Rather rare migrant. 
18. White-throated sparrow. Common migrant. 
19. Tree Sparrow., Common winter resident. 
20. Chipping Sparrow. Feeds extensively on weed seeds in fall. 
21. Field Sparrow. Quite common summer resident; breeds. 
22. Slate-colored Junco. Common winter resident. 
23. Song Sparrow. Found in small flocks, feeding on weed seeds, in spring 
and fall. 
24. Towhee. Commonly found in bush along edge of meadow. 
25. Oven Bird. Accidental in summer. 
26. Catbird. Common; feeds on berries. 
