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group was composed of from twenty to twenty-five birds, one 
female myrtle warbler, one female black-throated green warbler 
and the rest of the company of male myrtle warblers. 
So busily were the birds engaged that the observer approached 
within a few feet of them and watched them for several min- 
utes. After examining the sand closely for insects and for the 
seeds of trees or plants the writer was led to the conclusion that 
the birds were eating minute grains of sand probably to assist 
the crop in the comminution of food. Never before had the 
writer observed this habit in the species. 
23. Red-breasted Nuthatch. Sitta canadensis (Linn.). This 
species has been increasing in numbers in and about Iowa City 
and is occasionally seen during the winter. The writer’s first 
autumn record was October 27, 1919. 
24. Robin. Planesticus m. migratorius (hinn.). Robins were 
common about Iowa City until October 15, 1919, the autumn up 
to this time having been unusually warm and with but two or three 
light frosts. In spite of the severity of the past winter a few 
remained over. Mrs. C. B. Wilson reports that one individual 
visited her feeding table consistently all through the fall and 
winter. 
25. Bluebird. Sialia s. sialis (Linn.). This species was with 
us until late in the fall. A flock of between fifteen and twenty 
is reported near Sharon, about ten miles south of Iowa City on 
February 13, 1920, by Dr. C. S. Grant. 
Department oe Zoology, 
State University oe Iowa. 
