A LIST OF BIRDS FROM THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY, OBSERVED DURING THE SUMMER OF 1881, WITH BRIEF NOTES.
BY O. P. HAY.
During the summer of 1881 the writer and two companions spent a little more than a month in the South, especially in the State of Mississippi, travelling and studying its zoölogy. Our primary object was to collect fresh water fishes; and to this we devoted the greater part of our time and efforts. Incidentally, however, we collected and made observations on other animals. Hence this list of birds and the few notes concerning them. I did not intend to publish this list until I had opportunity to make additions to it; but the recent publication by Dr. F. W. Langdon of his field notes on birds observed by him, early in the spring, at a point a little farther south, has made it seem proper that I should contribute my little toward making known the ornithology of this region.
Our observations and collections were made of course under difficulties, and no attempt was made to secure nests and eggs, or, in any special manner, notes on the breeding habits of birds. Still, on account of the season when our trip was made, this list may be of some value as indicating that the birds observed are summer residents. The number of species recorded is not large, but I include only birds that I am reasonably sure were seen. In nearly all cases the birds were shot, and identified by means of descriptions. Others were seen, but as they were not identified with certainty, they are not included in the list.
The birds noted as found at Memphis, Tenn., were really seen in Arkansas just across the river from Memphis. Most of our other notes were obtained at Vicksburg and Jackson, Miss.
The nomenclature adopted is that of Mr. Robert Ridgway, issued by the U. S. National Museum, 1881.
1. Hylocichla mustelina (Gmel.) Baird. Wood Thrush.—This species was seen and specimens were shot at Memphis and at Vicksburg. Its song was frequently heard; and it would appear to be quite common.
2. Mimus polyglottus (Linn.) Boie. Mockingbird.—Very abundant at all points visited. At the time we were at Vicksburg, July 1, the young had not yet left the nest, as negro boys were offering them captured in their nests for sale. In the “History of N. A. Birds” Dr. Brewer has stated that the Mockingbird in the South nests early in April, and that the young birds appear a month later. If this is the case these birds must remain in the nest six weeks or two months. I was informed that a law in Mississippi prohibits the keeping of these birds in confinement.
3. Galeoscoptes carolinensis (Linn.) Caban. Catbird.—This bird was quite common at Memphis. I did not note it at any point farther south.
4. Harporhynchus rufus (Linn.) Caban. Brown Thrush.—A single specimen seen at Jackson.
5. Sialia sialis (Linn.) Haldem. Bluebird.—Seen in considerable numbers at Memphis, Vicksburg, and Jackson.
6. Lophophanes bicolor (Linn.) Bonap. Tufted Titmouse.—Specimens of this species were obtained at Memphis and at Jackson. It may be worth noting here that it occurs as far north as Indianapolis, and I have seen it here during the present winter.
7. Parus carolinensis Aud. Carolina Chickadee.—Seen only at Memphis.
8. Thryothorus ludovicianus (Gm.) Bonap. Carolina Wren.—We observed this active bird at Memphis and at Jackson, at both of which places it appeared to be very abundant.
9. Mniotilta varia (Linn.) Vieill. Black-and-white Creeper.—Observed at Memphis and Jackson. It will probably be found to breed at both these points.
10. Protonotaria citrea (Bodd.) Baird. Prothonotary Warbler.—Specimens of this species were shot at Memphis, and others were seen at Jackson.
11. Parula americana (Linn.) Bp. Blue Yellow-backed Warbler.—This was found to be one of the most common of the smaller birds at Memphis, Vicksburg, and Jackson. We were constantly shooting them while hunting for other species. In the “History of N. A. Birds” it is said to be nowhere abundant; but a day’s hunt in the Mississippi lowlands would, I think, convince any ornithologist that this is an error. I have no doubt whatever that it breeds all through the South, although we found no nests. Audubon was probably correct in saying that it breeds in Louisiana, however much he may have erred in regard to the structure of the nest.
12. Oporornis formosa (Wils.) Baird. Kentucky Warbler.—This sprightly little bird was observed, and specimens were handled, at both Vicksburg and Jackson.
13. Geothlypis trichas (Linn.) Caban. Maryland Yellow-throat.—A specimen was shot at Memphis; others were seen.
14. Myiodioctes mitratus (Gmel.) Aud. Hooded Warbler.—Specimens, male and female, of this bird were obtained at Jackson. It appeared to be moderately common.
15. Setophaga ruticilla (Linn.) Swains. American Redstart.—During our stay at Hopefind, Ark., opposite Memphis, a number of specimens of the Redstart were seen. Afterwards, while at Jackson, about July 10, a male and a female were killed. Their presence so far south at this season, and in such numbers, would indicate that they breed here. Up to this time I am not aware that it is known to breed south of the Potomac River and Illinois. The finding of the nest and eggs in Mississippi may be expected.
16. Vireosylvia olivacea (Linn.) Bonap. Red-eyed Vireo.—Very abundant at all the stations visited. Its clear, musical notes could be heard everywhere in the deep forests. A specimen was shot at Vicksburg, which had apparently just become fledged. Memphis, Vicksburg, Jackson.
17. Vireo noveboracensis (Gmel.) Bonap. White-eyed Vireo.—Specimens of this Vireo were obtained at Memphis and at Jackson.
18. Lanius ludovicianus Linn. Loggerhead Shrike.—A specimen of Shrike was seen at Jackson; but, as it was not shot, I am unable to say whether it belongs to this variety or to excubitorides.
19. Progne subis (Linn.) Baird. Purple Martin.—Common about Vicksburg.
20. Hirundo erythrogastra Bodd. Barn Swallow.—This species was observed to be quite common about Jackson together with the next.
21. Tachycineta bicolor (Vieill.) Caban. White-bellied Swallow.—Seen flying about the outskirts of Jackson.
22. Cotile riparia (Linn.) Boie. Bank Swallow.—Seen at various points along the Mississippi River near Memphis.
23. Pyranga æstiva (Linn.) Vieill. Summer Redbird.—A male of this species was shot at Memphis, another at Vicksburg, and a male and a female at Jackson. It is apparently a very common bird.
24. Spizella pusilla (Wils.) Bonap. Field Sparrow.—A single specimen of this species was shot at Jackson. Its occurrence there at that season was hardly to be expected. This individual may have been left behind in its winter quarters by its migrating comrades; or it may be that the species will be found to breed even as far south as Jackson.
25. Cardinalis virginianus (Briss.) Bonap. Cardinal Grosbeak.—One of the most conspicuous birds at every point visited.
26. Passerina cyanea (Linn.) Gray. Indigo Bunting.—The Indigo Bird was observed at Memphis, and again at Jackson.
27. Passerina ciris (Linn.) Gray. Painted Bunting.—This beautiful bird was seen at the crossing of the Vicksburg and Meridian R. R. over the big Black River, and again at Jackson. Females were shot at both places, but the males eluded capture. They seem to be quite common.
28. Spiza americana (Gm.) Bonap. Black-throated Bunting.—Seen in the lowlands along the river in Louisiana opposite Vicksburg.
29. Agelæus phœniceus (Linn.) Vieill. Red-wing Blackbird.—Very abundant in the swamps in the vicinity of Vicksburg.
30. Sturnella magna (Linn.) Swains. Meadow Lark.—Not many were seen. One specimen at Vicksburg, and another along the railway while en route to Jackson.
31. Icterus spurius (Linn.) Bonap. Orchard Oriole.—Many of these were observed, and some shot, in Louisiana opposite Vicksburg.
32. Icterus galbula (Linn.) Coues. Baltimore Oriole.—Quite common at Memphis and at Vicksburg.
33. Quiscalus purpureus (Bartr.) Licht. Purple Grackle.—Common at Memphis and at Vicksburg.
34. Corvus frugivorus Bartr. Common Crow.—Seen at Memphis, Vicksburg, and at several intermediate points along the river.
35. Cyanocitta cristata (Linn.) Strickl. Blue Jay.—A common bird at Memphis and Vicksburg.
36. Tyrannus carolinensis (Linn.) Temm. Kingbird.—A very common bird at Memphis and Vicksburg.
37. Myiarchus crinitus (Linn.) Caban. Great Crested Flycatcher.—Seen at all points visited. Apparently more common than at the North.
38. Contopus virens (Linn.) Caban. Wood Pewee.—This bird was found to be quite common at Memphis and at Jackson.
39. Empidonax acadicus (Gmel.) Baird. Acadian Flycatcher.—A specimen was shot at Jackson.
40. Trochilus colubris Linn. Ruby-throated Hummingbird.—A single specimen was shot at Vicksburg.
41. Chætura pelasgica (Linn.) Baird. Chimney Swift.—Seen flying about at Jackson.
42. Chordeiles popetue (Vieill.) Baird. Night Hawk.—Observed at Jackson.
43. Campephilus principalis (Linn.) Gray. Ivory-billed Woodpecker.—No specimens of this species were seen, but their existence in the denser and less frequented forests in the neighborhood of Vicksburg and at other points, was confirmed by hunters and trappers. It is possible that the bird referred to here is the Logcock (Hylotomus pileatus), but as special mention was made by my informant, a professional hunter, of the white bill, I think the Ivory-billed Woodpecker must have been seen. Doubtless the other bird also occurs.
44. Picus pubescens Linn. Downy Woodpecker.—A single individual of this species was obtained at Vicksburg.
45. Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linn.) Sw. Red-headed Woodpecker.—This Woodpecker is apparently not so common as at the North, but it was observed at Memphis, Vicksburg, and Jackson.
46. Colaptes auratus (Linn.) Sw. Yellow-shafted Flicker.—A not uncommon bird about Vicksburg.
47. Ceryle alcyon (Linn.) Boie. Belted Kingfisher.—Quite common. Seen at Memphis and Vicksburg and intermediate points along the river.
48. Coccyzus americanus (Linn.) Bonap. Yellow-billed Cuckoo.—Apparently common. A specimen was secured at Vicksburg.
49. Conurus carolinensis (Linn.) Kuhl. Carolina Parakeet.—None were seen by ourselves. Inquiry concerning this rapidly disappearing species was made of various persons, and especially of hunters. It is still occasionally seen; but, for the most part, it maintains itself in the dense cane-brakes and forests, away from contact with man. I heard of its having been seen recently along the Mississippi River, about half-way down the state of Mississippi; also that it had been seen in southeastern Arkansas. A gentleman in Jackson stated that he had, within a year or two, seen a flock of Parakeets pass over that city. These items, together with the information obtained by Dr. F. W. Langdon, communicated in his recent paper, would indicate that this bird has not yet disappeared from the Mississippi Valley.
50. Scops asio (Linn.) Bonap. Little Screech Owl.—A single individual of this species, in the shabbiest of plumage, was shot along the Big Black River between Vicksburg and Jackson.
51. Buteo lineatus (Gm.) Jard. Red-shouldered Hawk.—A specimen of this hawk was shot and brought to me by a hunter at Jackson.
52. Cathartes aura (Linn.) Illig. Turkey Buzzard.—A common bird everywhere. Seen in great numbers at Jackson in company with the next.
53. Catharista atrata (Wils.) Less. Carrion Crow.—Not observed at any place but Jackson, although doubtless common everywhere. Readily distinguished from the Turkey Buzzard by its smaller size and its manner of flight.
54. Zenaidura carolinensis (Linn.) Bonap. Mourning Dove.—Common everywhere. Memphis, Vicksburg, Jackson.
55. Meleagris gallopavo americana (Bartr.) Coues. Wild Turkey.—None were seen, but hunters stated that they were quite abundant, even in the immediate vicinity of the city of Jackson. In the spring of 1880 I saw a fine gobbler that had been shot by a party of hunters in the pine woods of Kemper County, near the eastern border of the State.
56. Ortyx virginiana (Linn.) Bonap. Bob White.—The call notes of these birds were frequently heard as we passed down the river. At Vicksburg they appeared to be abundant in the bottom lands. We were extremely sorry that we could procure none of their skins.
57. Ardea herodias Linn. Great Blue Heron.—Several of these birds were seen flying about in the swamps near Vicksburg.
58. Herodias alba egretta (Gmel.) Ridgw. American Egret.—A number of this snow-white species were observed in the swamps across the “lake” from Vicksburg. One was shot, and was found to have the long dorsal train of plumes.
59. Oxyechus vociferus (Linn.) Reich. Killdeer.—Observed only at Vicksburg. Will probably be found to breed here.
60. Philohela minor (Gmel.) Gray. American Woodcock.—One specimen was shot at Vicksburg.
61. Sterna antillarum (Less.) Coues. Least Tern.—This beautiful little Tern was very abundant on a sandy point across the “lake,” or old bend of the river, opposite Vicksburg. We were told that these birds lay their eggs on the bare sand, and that these eggs hatch in an extraordinarily short time.