Above brownish with tail and wings barred; below dull grayish, barred on the flanks with brown.
These are bold, sociable and confiding birds, seeming to prefer men’s society, building their nests in bird boxes that are erected for them, or in the most unexpected situations about buildings. They are one of the most beneficial birds that can be attracted to one’s yard, feeding wholly upon insects.
Song.—Loud, clear and bubbling over with enthusiasm.
Nest.—Of grass or weeds, stuffed into any crevice that takes their fancy, frequently in bird boxes and holes in orchard trees; eggs white, so minutely and thickly dotted with pinkish brown as to nearly conceal the ground color (.64 × .52).
Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding north to Maine and Manitoba; winters along the Gulf coast. 721b. Western House Wren (aztecus) is found from the Plains to the Pacific Coast ranges.
WINTER WREN
Above bright cinnamon, below paler; sides, wings and tail heavily barred with black.
This is the shortest and most stoutly built Wren that we have. They look very pert with their little stubby tail erect over their back. In most of the United States we only see them in the winter, and they are associated, in my mind, with brush heaps in woods and gardens. They will hide in a small pile of brush, running from side to side, so that it is almost impossible to make them leave it.
Song.—A rippling flow of melody, not as loud, but more musical than that of the House Wren.
Nest.—In brush heaps, tin cans, hollow stumps or crevices in unoccupied buildings; made of piles of grass, weeds, etc., lined with feathers; eggs white, sparingly specked with reddish brown (.65 × .50).
Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the northern edge of the U. S. northward; winters from its breeding range to the Gulf.
SHORT-BILLED MARSH WREN
This species can readily be distinguished from the next, as the whole crown is streaked with black and white, whereas that of the Long-bill is uniformly colored. Both species are marsh birds, at home among the reeds, to which they attach their globular woven nests, with the little entrance in the side. The eggs of this species are pure white. It is found in eastern N. A. from the Gulf to southern Canada.
LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN
The bill of this species is .5 inch or more in length; that of the last is .4 inch or less. This species is by far the most abundant. Its eggs are so profusely dotted with dark brown as to appear a chocolate color. Breeds from the Gulf to Massachusetts and Manitoba.
BROWN CREEPER
Tail feathers stiffened and pointed; rump rusty.
These odd birds are fairly common throughout the United States in winter. They will be found in woods always climbing up tree trunks, carefully investigating every crevice in the bark for larvæ or grubs. When they reach the top of one tree, they drop to the foot of the next and continue the operation. They are very tame, not seeming to comprehend that danger can befall them, for they will allow any one to approach very closely, so that they have been caught under a hat.
Song.—A very faint trill; call, a weak “tseep,” hardly noticeable unless very near them.
Nest.—Of twigs, moss and bark, behind loose bark on dead trees or stumps, usually not high above the ground; eggs white, specked with reddish brown.
Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from northern New England and Minnesota northward; winters throughout the U. S.
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
Male with the crown bluish black; female with the crown gray; both sexes with chestnut under tail coverts.
These birds seem to be the very opposite of the Brown Creepers. Their tails are short and square, and nearly always pointed toward the zenith, for Nuthatches usually clamber among the branches and down the tree trunks, head first.
Note.—A nasal “yank-yank,” and a repeated “ya-ya,” all on the same tone.
Nest.—In cavities of hollow limbs and trunks of trees at any elevation from the ground; the cavity is filled with leaves and usually lined with feathers; eggs white, spotted with reddish brown (.75 × .55).
Range.—Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to southern Canada; resident in most of its range. 727b. Florida White-breasted Nuthatch (atkinsi) is slightly smaller; other races are found west of the Rockies.
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH
These birds have the same habits as the larger Nuthatch, but are often found in flocks, while the White-breasted are usually in pairs and in the fall accompanied by their young. In the winter we usually find them in coniferous trees, where we can locate them by their nasal calls or by the shower of bark that they pry from the tree in their quest for grubs.
Song.—A nasal “yank-yank,” like that of the last, but not so loud, and usually repeated more times.
Nest.—In hollow stumps and limbs, the area about the opening nearly always being coated with fir balsam, for what purpose is not known; the cavity is lined with grasses and feathers; they lay from four to seven white eggs, which are very thickly spotted with reddish brown (.60 × .50).
Range.—N. A., breeding from the northern parts of the northern tier of states, northward; winters south nearly to the Gulf and southern California.
BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH
Crown brownish with a white patch on the nape.
These diminutive Nuthatches are found in the southern states. Their general habits do not appear to differ from those of other members of the family. They nest very early, commencing to excavate their holes in January and having complete sets of eggs as early as the middle of February.
They usually are found in small flocks and at night they will often be seen flying to the top of a pine where they sleep, all huddled together.
Note.—A continued twittering “nya-nya.”
Nest.—In cavities of dead limbs or stumps, sometimes only a few inches from the ground, and again as high as fifty feet; they lay five or six eggs, white with numerous spots of reddish brown (.62 × .49).
Range.—South Atlantic and Gulf states, breeding north to Virginia.
TUFTED TITMOUSE
Head crested, forehead black, flanks brownish. The habits of this large Titmouse are almost identical with those of Chickadees. They swing from the ends of twigs in all manner of positions and creep about trunks, peering in crevices of the bark for insects. They are common in the southern states, breeding from the Gulf to New York and Illinois; they are resident in the southern portion of their range. Their eggs are laid in soft nests of down and feathers in hollow stumps. Their notes are loud, clear whistles.
BLACK-CRESTED TITMOUSE
Crest black, forehead white, flanks rusty. The habits of this species are just like those of the very similar preceding one. The birds are very tame, especially so during the nesting season, when they will allow themselves to be lifted from the nest by hand. They are found in southern and western Texas.
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE
The Chickadees are one of the most popular birds that we have, owing to their uniform good nature even in the coldest weather, and their confiding disposition. They are common about farms, and even on the outskirts of large cities they will come to feasts prepared for them on the window sill.
Notes.—A clear “phe-be”; a “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” or “dee-dee-dee,” and several scolding or chuckling notes.
Nest.—In hollow stumps at any elevation from the ground but usually near the ground, and most often in birch stubs; eggs white, sparingly specked with reddish brown.
Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding in the northern half of the U. S. and northward; resident.
736. Carolina Chickadee (Parus carolinensis) is similar to the last but smaller and with no white edges to the wing feathers; length 4½ inches; found in southeastern U. S., breeding north to Virginia and Ohio.
HUDSONIAN CHICKADEE
Crown and back brownish.
The habits of this little northerner are like those of the bird that we know so well; if anything they are even more tame than our bird, especially in the vicinity of lumbermen’s camps. They are only met with along our northern border or casually farther south; I have seen one individual in company with other Chickadees in Massachusetts.
Song.—Not distinguishable from that of our Chickadee, but uttered more incessantly.
Nest.—In cavities of stumps, trees, posts or telephone poles, the cavity being lined with grass, feathers and fur; the six or seven eggs are white sprinkled with brown (.60 × .46).
Range.—Resident in Canada and the northern border of the U. S.
VERDIN; YELLOW-HEADED TIT
Adult male with the head and throat yellow, usually with some concealed orange brown on the forehead; lesser wing-coverts reddish brown. The female is colored very similarly, but is much duller. These are among the smallest of N. A. birds; they are even smaller than their length would indicate, for their bodies are slender. The birds are usually found in high dry portions of the country where cacti and thorny bushes predominate.
Nest.—Their nests are remarkable structures for so diminutive birds; flask-shaped, the outside being a mass of thorny twigs and stems interwoven; this is lined with feathers and the entrance is a small circular hole near the top. The eggs are bluish white specked around the large end with reddish brown.
Range.—Mexican border of the United States from southern Texas to Arizona and Lower California.
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET
Male with crown orange and yellow, bordered with black; female with yellow crown.
Although very small, these birds are very rugged and endure the severe storm and low temperatures of our northern states apparently with little concern, for they always seem to be happy. They are always busily engaged among the underbrush of side hills and along the banks of brooks, hunting for the scanty fare that awaits them.
Song.—A few weak chips, chirps and trills.
Nest.—A large ball of soft green mosses and feathers, suspended from the small twigs in the tops of coniferous trees; it is neatly hollowed out for the reception of the six to nine eggs that are laid; eggs creamy white, minutely but profusely specked with brown (.56 × .44).
Range.—N. A., breeding from Northern U. S. northward and farther south in mountain ranges; winters throughout the U. S.
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET
Male with a concealed patch of red on the crown; female with no red.
Like the last, these are chiefly winter visitants in the United States and they do not remain with us in the coldest weather, but pass on to the southern half of our country. They are nearly always met with in pine or other coniferous trees, being very abundant in spring in open pine woods and parks.
Song.—A clear warble, surprisingly loud and varied for so small a bird; call, a grating chatter.
Nest.—A ball of moss, grass and feathers, deeply cupped, like that of the last; partially suspended among the small twigs in the tops of coniferous trees; eggs white more sparingly marked than those of the last (.55 × .43).
Range.—N. A., breeding northward from the northern boundary of the U. S. and farther south in mountains; winters in the southern half of the U. S.
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER
Forehead black; tail black with white edges and tips to the outer ones.
Their food is chiefly insects, which they are very expert in catching, taking them on the wing with great celerity. Their movements are all very rapid, flitting from one part of a tree to another, but usually among the upper branches. Their nests are among the most beautiful of bird architecture, even surpassing that of the Hummingbird.
Song.—Sweet, but very faint.
Nest.—Situated on horizontal limbs of trees at medium heights; made of plant fibres, woolly substances and cobwebs, adorned with handsome lichens; the walls are very high and thick, the bird sitting so low inside that only her tail is visible; the four or five eggs are bluish white specked with reddish brown (.56 × .44).
Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding north to New Jersey and Illinois.
WOOD THRUSH
Reddish brown above, brightest on the head; below white heavily spotted with black.
These large Thrushes are locally abundant in swamps and moist woodland. They are one of our best songsters, their tones being very rich and flute-like, and, like most of the Thrushes, their songs are most often heard along toward night.
Song.—Very clear and flute-like, containing many notes of the scale; often two or more birds answer back and forth from different parts of the woods; calls, a sharp “quit, quit,” and a liquid “quirt.”
Nest.—Either in forks or on horizontal boughs of bushes or trees, usually not more than ten feet from the ground; made of grass, weeds, leaves and some mud; the three or four eggs are bluish green (1.02 × .75)
Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from Virginia and Missouri north to Maine, Ontario and Minnesota; winters south of the U. S.
WILSON THRUSH OR VEERY
Entire upper parts a uniform reddish brown; below soiled white with a few faint marks on the breast.
This species is more abundant than the last. It is found in swamps and also in dry open woods, they being especially numerous where ferns grow luxuriantly.
Song.—Very peculiar and not nearly as melodious as that of the Wood Thrush, but still attractive; a slightly descending “too-whe-u-whe-u-whe-u”; call, a clear “whee-you.”
Nest.—On the ground among the leaves, on hummocks, or in tangled masses of briars; made of strips of bark and leaves; eggs greenish blue, darker and smaller than those of the Wood Thrush (.88 × .65).
Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding in the northern half of the United States and southern Canada; winters in Central America. 756a. Willow Thrush (salicicola) is more olive above; it is found in the Rockies and eastward to the Mississippi River.
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH
Quite similar to the following but with the eye ring white and the sides of head and breast much paler.
Breeds in northern Canada and migrates through the eastern states to Central America. 757a. Bicknell Thrush (bicknelli) is similar to the Gray-cheeked but smaller. It breeds in Nova Scotia.
OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH
Upper parts woolly olive gray, with no brownish tinge; eye ring, sides of head and breast distinctly buff; breast spotted with blackish.
Song.—Quite similar to that of the Veery.
Nest.—Composed of leaves, grass and strips of bark, located in bushes or small trees near the ground; the four eggs are greenish blue spotted with reddish brown (.90 × .65).
Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from northern U. S. to New Brunswick and Manitoba.
HERMIT THRUSH
Tail reddish brown, much brighter than the back and head; breast quite heavily spotted with black.
During its migrations it rarely sings, but in its summer home it is regarded as a remarkable musician. Its song has the sweetness and purity of tone of that of the Wood Thrush, and is, perhaps, more varied, but it is not nearly as powerful, and has a ventriloquial effect. I watched one that was perched on a dead stump, about twenty feet from me, for several minutes with a pair of glasses before I could make sure that he was the author of the song I heard, for it sounded as though coming from across the next field.
Nest.—Similar to that of the Wilson Thrush and like that, placed on the ground or very near it; the eggs are plain greenish blue (.85 × .65).
Range.—Breeds from northern U. S. northward, and farther south in mountains; winters in the Gulf States.
AMERICAN ROBIN
Male with a black head and bright reddish-brown breast; female with a gray head and much paler breast; young intermediate between the two and with a reddish-brown breast spotted with black.
These well-known birds are very abundant in the northern half of the United States, being found most commonly about farms and dwellings in the country, and also in cities if they are not persecuted too severely by English Sparrows.
Song.—A loud cheery carol, “cheerily-cheerup, cheerily-cheerup,” often long continued.
Nest.—A coarse but substantial structure of mud and grass, placed on horizontal boughs or in forks at any height, or in any odd place about dwellings; the four or five eggs are bluish green (1.15 × .80).
Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the middle of the U. S. northward; winters throughout the U. S. 761b. Southern Robin (achrustera) is a paler form found in the Carolinas and Georgia.
GREENLAND WHEATEAR
The Wheatear is a European bird, but this sub-species is found in Greenland and occasionally in Labrador.
Their habits are about the same as those of the Bluebird. They feed upon insects, larvæ, fruits, berries and some seeds. They are essentially ground birds and are usually found in rocky country.
Nest.—Their nests are made of grasses, hair or any rubbish obtainable, and are hidden in the innermost recesses of crevices among rocks, in deserted Bank Swallow nests or even in rabbit burrows.
The four to six eggs are pale greenish blue, a little brighter in shade than those of the Bluebird. They measure .94 × .60
BLUEBIRD
These beautiful, gentle and well-known birds spend the winter in the southern parts of the United States and north to the snow line; some more hardy than the rest are found throughout the winter in southern New England.
Call.—A short sweet warble; song, a continued warbling.
Nest.—In holes in trees, particularly in orchards, in bird boxes or crannies about the buildings. The bottom of the cavity is lined with grasses for the reception of the four or five pale bluish eggs, which measure .84 × .62.
Range.—Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to New Brunswick and Manitoba; winters chiefly in the southern parts of the United States. 766a. Azure Bluebird (azurea) is found in the mountains of eastern Mexico and north casually to southern Arizona. It is paler both above and below than our eastern bird.
FIELD KEY FOR IDENTIFICATION OF EASTERN LAND BIRDS BY CONSPICUOUS MARKINGS
We have added this key at the request of many of our readers for a color scheme for identification. It includes all the birds that have markings of sufficient prominence to be readily noticed in the field.
[Red/Orange] [Blue] [Yellow] [Brown] [Black&White]
1. BIRDS WITH RED OR ORANGE MARKINGS
- Scarlet body; black wings and tail; 7½ in.—SCARLET TANAGER.
- Red; darker above; crested; black face; 9 in.—CARDINAL.
- Rosy-red; wings and tail slightly darker; 7½ in.—SUMMER TANAGER.
- Rosy-red; white wing bars; crossed bill; 6 in.—WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL.
- Rosy-red; gray back, wings and tail; stout bill; 8½ in.—PINE GROSBEAK.
- Brick-red; wings and tail darker; crossed bill; 6 in.—CROSSBILL.
- Purplish-red, streaked with darker; dark wings and tail.—PURPLE FINCH.
- Red below; blue head; yellow back; 5½ in.—PAINTED BUNTING.
- Red patch on crown (concealed); greenish back; 4½ in.—KINGLET.
- Red cap; black chin; rosy breast; streaked; 5¼ in.—REDPOLL.
- Pink breast and under wings; black head and back; 8 in.—ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.
- Ruby throat; metallic green back; tiny birds—HUMMINGBIRD.
- Orange-red under wings and patch on crown; long forked rail.—SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER.
- Orange; black head, wings and tail (marked with yellow)—BALTIMORE ORIOLE.
- Orange breast, crown patch and above eye; black and white back, wings and tail—BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER.
- Orange crown patch, edged with black; green back; 4 in.—KINGLET.
- Orange on sides, wings and tail; black above; 5½ in.—REDSTART.
- Orange-brown crown edged with black; green back; spotted breast—OVEN-BIRD.
2. BIRDS PROMINENTLY MARKED WITH BLUE
- Blue, shading to purplish on head; 5½ in.—INDIGO BUNTING.
- Blue; chestnut shoulders; black face; 7 in.—BLUE GROSBEAK.
- Blue above; brownish breast; 7 in.—BLUEBIRD.
- Blue above; black collar, bars on wings and tail (also white)—BLUE JAY.
- Pale blue above and streaks below; white on wings and tail—CERULEAN WARBLER.
- Dark blue above; black throat and sides; white on wing—BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER.
- Light blue head and back; brown breast; 5½ in.—LAZULI BUNTING.
3. BIRDS WITH YELLOW AS PROMINENT COLOR
- Yellow below; green back; black mask—MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT.
- Yellow below; gray head and breast; 5½ in.—MOURNING WARBLER.
- Yellow below; gray head and breast; white eye ring—CONNECTICUT WARBLER.
- Yellow below; black crown and ears; yellow over eye—KENTUCKY WARBLER.
- Yellow below; green back; brown spots on back; black stripes on side—PRAIRIE WARBLER.
- Yellow below; green back; brown crown and streaks on side; white on tail—PALM WARBLER.
- Yellow below; green back; yellow crown; brown stripes on sides—YELLOW WARBLER.
- Yellow below; green back; brown ear patch and streaks on sides—CAPE MAY WARBLER.
- Yellow below; green back; brown patch on crown; head gray above—NASHVILLE WARBLER.
- Yellow below; green back; orange-yellow head; white on tail—PROTHONOTARY WARBLER.
- Yellow forehead, ears and below; green back; cap and throat black—HOODED WARBLER.
- Yellow breast; gray black spotted necklace—CANADIAN WARBLER.
- Yellow breast; green back; gray head; white over eye—YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT.
- Yellow breast; gray back; black through eye and down sides—YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER.
- Yellow breast; yellowish patch on back; brown on throat—PARULA WARBLER.
- Yellow breast; green above; black throat and down sides—BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER.
- Yellow breast with black crescent; streaked above; 11 in.—MEADOWLARK.
- Yellow above and below; black cap, wings and tail—GOLDFINCH.
- Yellow head; black body; white patch on wing—YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD.
- Yellow head; gray body; brown on shoulders; 4½ in.—VERDIN.
- Yellow crown; chestnut on sides; streaked above—CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER.
- Yellow below and on rump; black back and spots on breast—MAGNOLIA WARBLER.
- Yellow patch on crown, rump and side; streaked with gray above—MYRTLE WARBLER.
4. BIRDS WITH BROWN MARKINGS MOST PROMINENT
- Small brown birds (4 to 6 in.) with barred wings and tail—WRENS.
- Uniform brown above, gray below; long broad tails—CUCKOOS.
- Bright reddish brown above; spotted breast; 11½ in.—BROWN THRASHER.
- Brown body; black head, wings and tail; 7½ in.—ORCHARD ORIOLE.
- Reddish brown breast; slate back; dark head; 10 in.—ROBIN.
- Dull brown back; grayish, more or less spotted breasts—THRUSHES.
- Brown belly; black crown and stripe through eye; gray back—NUTHATCH.
- Streaked brown and white; curved bill; climbs up trees—BROWN CREEPER.
- Brownish gray; crested; yellow tip to tail; black through eye—WAXWING.
- Brown crown, throat and streaks on sides; black mask—BAY-BREASTED WARBLER.
- Brown sides; black head, throat and back; white on wings and tail—TOWHEE.
- Brown rump and tail; gray back; streaked above and below—FOX SPARROW.
- Brown shoulder, yellow breast patch; black on throat—DICKCISSEL.
- Brown shoulder; streaked above; white outer tail feathers—VESPER SPARROW.
- Brown shoulder; black cap and patch on breast—McCOWN LONGSPUR.
- Brown nape; black breast and cap; light throat—CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR.
5. SHARPLY DEFINED BLACK AND WHITE MARKINGS
- Black crown and throat; gray back; 5 in.—CHICKADEE.
- Black and white streaked bird; black crown; 5 in.—BLACK POLL WARBLER.
- Black and white streaked bird; striped crown—BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER.
- Slate head, breast and back; white below and outer tail feathers—JUNCO.
- White throat; gray breast; crown striped black and white—WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.
- Large white crown patch edged with black; light below—WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.
- Black body; yellowish nape; white rump and on wings—BOBOLINK.
- Black crown; gray back; climbs down trees—WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH.
- Dull gray birds with no markings may be FLYCATCHERS.
- Dull brownish, streaked birds are probably species of SPARROWS.
- Plain greenish backs and dull white underparts denote VIREOS.
- Glossy blackbirds are GRACKLES or CROWS; if with red shoulders, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD; with dull brown head, COWBIRD.