170 
ON THE GEOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY 
Missouri. We were able to secure twelve specimens at various localities. It is quite 
widely diffused throughout the United States, from the Atlantic to the Rocky mountains. 
Icterus Baltimore, Daudin. 
Baltimore Oriole. Baird, General Report on Birds, p. 548. 
Like the preceding species this beautiful and attractive bird is quite abundant through¬ 
out the wooded portions of the Missouri country. It is more common on the numerous 
islands in the river, from the mouth to Fort Union. It is widely distributed like the pre¬ 
ceding. 
Icterus Bullockii, Bonap. 
Bullock’s Oriole. Baird, General Report on Birds, p. 549. 
This bird is quite rare, but one specimen having been taken in all our explorations. I 
think, however, that it occurs occasionally along the Lower Missouri, but seldom passes 
above Fort Pierre. Has also a wide distribution. 
SCOLECOPHAGUS FERRUGINEUS, Sw. 
Rusty Blackbird. Baird, General Report on Birds, p. 551. 
I do not think this species is common on the Lower Missouri, and I suspect it is seldom 
or never seen on the Upper Missouri. We were able to secure but one specimen, and 
that was observed about twenty miles below Sioux city. It ranges from the Atlantic 
coast to the Missouri. 
SCOLECOPHAGUS CYANOCEPHALUS. 
Brewer’s Blackbird. Baird, General Report on Birds, p. 552. 
Seems to be widely diffused throughout the Western country. It is not uncommon along 
the Missouri and its tributaries. 
Quiscalus versicolor, Vieill. 
Crow Blackbird. Baird, General Report on Birds, p. 555. 
Not rare along the Missouri. Ranges from the Atlantic to the Rocky mountains. 
Corvus carniyorus, Bartram. 
American Raven. Bail'd, General Report on Birds, p. 5G0. 
Very abundant throughout the Northwest. Indeed it seems to be the favorite place of 
resort, on account of the great quantities of game of various kinds which furnish them 
food. These birds are always seen in the vicinity of large herds of buffalo, and have 
learned to follow the hunters for hours at a time. In the lonely desert or Bad Lands 
they will often hover over the traveller, and by their lugubrious croaking conjure up all 
manner of unpleasant impressions. 
