USA > Iowa > Taylor County > History of Taylor County, Iowa : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc. : a biographical directory of many of its leading citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, history of Iowa and the Northwest, map of Taylor County, Constitution of the United States, reminiscences, miscellaneous matters, etc > Part 39
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*Exclusive of insects and fishes.
343
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
port. While most of the larger forms of animal life are now rarely met with, time was when they abounded; when the deer, the elk, and the buffalo made these prairies their home. The coming of the white man, attended by all the change which civilization prompts, has driven these large forms from the country, and now the smaller kinds alone retain their footing.
There is no record of any attempt made at any time to determine the re- lation of the fauna and the flora of this county to the rest of the State. In no counties but those in the eastern portion of the State has such a work been done, and there chiefly in the interests of science and by private in- dividuals. It is to be hoped that the time is not far distant when the State will order and sustain to completion an intelligent and exhaustive survey of her great domain-a survey the value of which will become more and more apparent with the growth of years. Twice has the State instituted a geo- logical survey, and twice has it failed to support the same, and brought both to a close while yet their work was in its infancy. All that is valuable, all that is best known, of its natural resources has been contributed by the pens and at the expense of men in private life. The following resume of the natural history of the county is by no means a complete representation of its forms, and is to be considered only as indicative of the nature of its re- sources, both animal and vegetable. In the lists following as much infor- mation has been incorporated as is consistent with a simple catalogue of forms. This is especially true of the trees and shrubs. It is manifestly impossible to give either descriptions or life-histories of a single species in a work of this nature. For the sake of insuring accuracy in the reader, both scientific and common names are given.
AVIDÆ-BIRDS .* TURDIDE-THRUSHES.
1. Turdus migratorius, Linn-Robin. Indifferently useful.
2. (?) Turdus nævius, Gmelin-Varied thrush.
3. Turdus mustelinus, Gmelin-Wood thrush.
4. Turdus Pallasii, Cab-Hermit thrush.
5. Turdus Swainsonii, Cab-Swainson's thrush.
*In the following catalogue the general arrangement of Coues' "Birds of the Northwest" is adopted as being the one most consistent with the great mass of observed facts, and is the one approved by the leading ornithologists of the country. The arrangement is by fami- lies. A number of species are included which have not been observed in the county but are known to occur in the counties surrounding. Such are marked with an asterisk (*). Species doubtfully referred to the county are indicated by a question mark (?). Many of the follow- ing list have not been observed in this county, but are admitted from the fact that they are known in the State, and on the authority of the work above mentioned, which places them here.
344
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
6. Turdus fuscescens, Steph .- Wilson's thrush. Common.
7. Mimus Carolinensis, Cab-Catbird.
8 (?) Mimus polyglottus, Boie-Mockingbird.
9. Harporhynchus rufus, Cab-Brown thrush. Thrasher.
SAXICOLIDE-BLUEBIRDS AND STONE-CHATS.
10. Sialia sialis, Haldeman-Blue bird. Abundant
11. (?) Sialia Mexicana, Sw .- Western bluebird. Very doubtful.
PARIDE-TITMICE.
12. Parus atricapillus, Linn-Chickadee. Common.
13. Parus atricapillus var. septentrionalis, Allen-Long-tailed chick-
adee. Very abundant. A winter resident.
14. Lophophanes bicolor, Bonap-Crested titmouse. Very numerous. SYLVIIDE-WARBLERS.
15.1; (?) Regulus satrapa, Licht -- Golden-crested kinglet.
16. Regulus calendula, Licht-Ruby-crested kinglet. Not rare.
17. Polioptila corulea, Sclat-Blue-gray gnat-catcher. Tiny. Sweet songsters.
CERTHIADE-CREEPERS.
18. Certhia familiaris, Linn-Brown creepers. Quite rare. Retiring. SITTIDE-NUTHATCHES.
19." Sitta Carolinensis, Lath .-- White-breasted nuthatch. Abundant.
20. (?)Sitta Canadensis, Linn-Red-breasted nuthatch. Very rare if at all
TROGLODYTIDE-WRENS.
21. (*)Salpinctes obsoletus, Cab-Rock wren. Common on authority of Trippe.
22. Anorthura hyemalis, Coues-Winter wren. A hardy bird.
23. (?)Telmatodytes palustris, Bonap-Long-billed marsh wren.
24. ' (*)Cistothorus stellaris, Cab-Short billed marsh wren.
25. (?)Thryothorus Ludovicianus, Bonap-Carolina wren. A "rollick- ing" singer.
26. Thryothorus Bewickii, Bonap-Bewick's wren. An odd bird. Com- mon.
27. Troglodytes ædon, Vieill-House wren. Rarely.
28. Troglodytes ædon, var. Parkmanni, Coues-Abundant.
345
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
MOTACILLIDE -- WAG-TAILS.
29. Anthus Ludovicianus, Licht -- Tit-lark. A winter resident.
SYLVICOLIDE -- WARBLERS .*
30. Mniotilla varia, Vieill-Black and white creeper.
31. Parula Americana, Bonap-Blue-yellow-blacked warbler. Elegant.
32. (?) Prothonotaria citræa, Baird-Prothonotary warbler.
33. * Helminthophaga ruficapilla, Baird-Nashville warbler.
34. Helminthophaga celata, Baird-Golden-crowned warbler. Common.
35. (?)Helminthophaga pinus, Baird-Blue-winged yellow warbler.
36. * Dendræca striata, Baird-Black-pole warbler.
37. Dendroca palmarum, Baird -- Yellow red-polled warbler. Merely a bird of passage.
38. Dendræca pinus, Wilson -- Pine-creeping warbler. A fall loiterer.
39. Dendræca virens, Baird -- Black-throated green warbler. Common.
40. Dendræca cærulescens, Baird-Black-throated blue warbler. Beau- tiful.
41. Dendræca coronata, Gray-Yellow-crowned warbler.
42. Dendræca Blackburnæ, Baird-Blackburnian warbler.
43. Dendræca castanc, Baird-Bay-breasted warbler. Migrant.
44. (?) Dendræca Pennsylvancia, Baird-Chesnut-sided warbler.
45. Dendroca cærulea, Baird-Blue warbler. Not uncommon.
46. Dendræca æstiva, Baird-Yellow warbler. Not very common.
47 Dendroca maculosa, Baird-Black and yellow warbler. Prairie warbler.
48. Dendræca discolor, Baird-Yellow red-poll warbler.
49. Dendræca Dominica, Baird-Yellow-throated warbler.
50. Seiurus aurocapillus, Swain-Golden-crowned wagtail. Common.
51. (*)Seiurus Novaboracensis, Nutt-New York water wagtail. De- termination doubtful.
52. (*)Seiurus Ludovicianus, Baird-Long-billed water thrush.
53. (*)Geothlypis trichas, Cab-Maryland yellow-throat.
54. Geothlypis Philadelphia, Baird-Morning warbler. Very rare. Seen twice. 55. Oporornis formosus, Baird-Kentucky warbler. Rarely.
56. Myiodioctes pusillus, Bonap-Green black-capped warbler.
57. (*) Myidioctes Canadensis, Cab-Canada warbler. Hay is authority.
58. Setophaga ruticilla, Swain-Red start. Very abundant. Breeds here.
59. Icteria virens, Baird-Yellow-breasted chat. Fairly common.
346
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
TANAGRIDE-TANAGERS.
60. Pyranga rubra, Vieill-Scarlet tanager. North to Dallas county.
61. Pyranga æstiva, Vieill-Summer red-bird. Not uncommon.
HIRUNDINIDE-SWALLOWS.
62. Hirundo horreorum, Barton-Barn swallow. Breeds here.
63. Petrochelidon lunifrons, Sclater-Cliff swallow. Very abundant. indeed.
64. Tachycineta bicolor, Cab -- White-bellied swallow. Rare.
65. Progne purpurea, Boie-Purple martin .. Common.
66 Cotyle riparia, Boie- Bank swallow, sand martin. In immense numbers.
67. (2) Stelgidopteryx serripennis, Baird-Rough-winged sand martin.
AMPELIDE-WAXWINGS.
68. Ampelis cedrorum, Gray-Cedar bird, wax-wing. Common.
69. (*) Ampelis garrulus, Linn-Northern wax-wing. In winter.
VIREONIDAE --- VIREOS.
70. Vireo gilvus, Bonap-Warbling vireo. Common. Breeds here.
71. Vireo solitarius, Baird-Solitary vireo.
72 Vireo Noveboracensis, Bonap-White-eyed vireo.
73. Vireo Bellii, Audubon-Bell's vireo. Very common.
74. Vireo olivaceus, Bonap-Red-eyed vireo. Surely here.
75. (?) Vireo Philadelphicus, Cass-Brotherly-love vireo. Teste Trippe.
76. (?)Vireo flavifrons, Baird -- Yellow-throated vireo.
LANIIDE -- SHRIKES.
77. Collurio borealis, Baird-Northern shrike; butcher bird. Common A winter resident.
78. Collurio excubitoroides, Coues-White-rumped shrike. Abundant. ALAUDIDE --- LARKS.
79. Eremophila alpestris, Boie-Horned lark. Common.
FRINGILLIDE -- SPARROWS .*
80. (?) Hesperiphona vespertina. Bonap-Evening grosbeak.
81. Pinicola eunculata, Cab-Pine grosbeak. An occasional winter visi-
tant. Placed further south by Audubon, Trippe and Snow.
*This family is also one of great difficulty to many amateurs. The determinations are, it is thought, in the main correct.
347
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
82. Carpodacus purpureus, Gray-Purple finch.
83. Chrysomitris tristis, Cab-Yellow bird gold-finch.
84. Chrysomitris pinus, Bonap -- Pine finch. A "rambler," or "stray."
85. (?)Curvirostra Americana, Wilson-Red crossbill.
86. (?)Curvirostra leucoptera, Wilson-White-winged crossbill.
87. Ægiothus linarius, Cab-Red poll linnet. A winter visitant.
88. Plectrophanes nivalis, Meyer-Snow bunting. In great flocks, in winter. 89. Plectrophanes Lapponicus, Kaup-Lapland bunting; in winter. (*)Plectrophanes pictus, Cab-Painted bunting; in winter only.
90. 91. Plectrophanes ornatus, Temm-Black-bellied long spur. Abundant. (?) Centronyx Bairdii, Baird-Baird's sparrow. Extremely doubt-
Passerculus savanna, Bonap-Savanna sparrow. Abundant. Procets gramineus, Baird -Grass finch. Not uncommon.
Coturniculus passerinus, Bonap-Yellow-winged sparrow.
Coturniculus Henslowii, Bonap-Henslow's sparrow. Common. Melospiza melodia, Baird-Song sparrow. Not abundant.
93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. Melospiza Lincolnii, Baird-Lincoln's sparrow. Fairly common. Melospiza palustris, Baird-swamp sparrow. See note 99.
99. 100. 101. (?)Spizella monticola, Baird -- Tree sparrow. In winter. 102. Spizella pusilla, Bonap-Field sparrow. Not common.
Junco hyemalis, Sclat-Snow bird. A winter resident.
103. Spizella pallida, Bonap-Western field sparrow. Characteristic.
104. Spizella socialis, Bonap-Chipping sparrow.
105. Zonotrachia leucophyrs, Swain-White-crowned sparrow.
106. Zonotrachia albicollis, Bonap-White-throated sparrow. Abund- ant during migrations.
107. Zonotrachia querula, Gamb-Harris's sparrow. A characteristic. bird.
108. Zonotrachia intermedia, Ridgway-Ridgway's sparrow. Teste Trippe.
109. Chondestes grammaca, Bonap-Lark sparrow. Most abundant.
110. Passerella iliaca, Swain-Fox-colored sparrow.
111. Euspiza Americana, Bonap-Black-throated bunting. Very abundant.
112. Goniaphea Ludoviciana, Cab-Rose-breasted grosbeak. Breeds freely.
113. Goniaphea corulea, Swain --- Blue grosbeak. Rare. Teste Allen. 114. Cyanospiza cyanea, Baird-Indigo bird. Common.
92. ful.
348
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
115. Cardinalis Virginianus, Bonap-Cardinal bird. A brillant bird.
116. Pipilo erythrophthalmus, Vieill-Chewink.
117. (?)Pipilo maculatus var articus, Coues-Arctic spotted towhee. Seen (?) once.
ICTERIDE-BLACKBIRDS AND ORIOLES.
118. Dolichonyx orzivorus, Swain-Bobolink. Rare. Becoming more common.
.
119. Molothrus pecorus, Swain-Cow blackbird.
120. Angelous phonicus, Vieill-Red-winged blackbird. Common.
121. Xanthocephalus icterocephalus, Baird-Yellow-headed blackbird. Prairies.
122. Sturnella magna, Swain -- Meadow lark. Common.
123. Icterus spurius, Bonap-Orchard oriole. Very common.
124. Icterus Baltimore, Daud-Baltimore oriole. Hang-nest. In timber
125. (?)Icterus Bullockii, Bonap-Bullock's oriole. Eastern Kansas. Perhaps here.
126. Scolecophagus ferrugineus, Swain -- Rusty grackle. Teste Trippe.
127. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus, Cab-Blue-headed grackle.
128. Quiscalus purpureus, Licht-Crow blackbird. Very abundant.
CORVIDE-CROWS AND JAYS.
129. Corvus corax, Linn-Raven.
130. Corvus Americanus, And-Crow. Excessively abundant.
131. Pica Hudsonica, Bonap-Magpie. Teste Coues, loc. cit.
132. Cyanurus cristatus, Swain-Blue jay. Very numerous and noisy.
TYRANNIDE-TYRANT FLYCATCHERS.
133. Tyrannus Carolinensis, Temm-King bird. Common.
134. Tyaannus verticalis, Say-Arkansas flycatcher. Abundant. Teste Allen.
135. Myiarchus crinitus, Cap-Great-crested flycatcher.
136. Sayornis fuscus, Baird-Phoebe-bird.
137. Contopus borealis, Baird-Olive-sided pewee. Not common.
138.
(?)Contopus virens, Cab-Wood pewee. In Kansas. Teste Allen.
139. Empidonax flaviventris, Baird-Yellow-bellied flycatcher.
140. Empidonax Traillii, Baird-Traill's flycatcher.
141. Empidonax minimus, Baird-Least flycatcher. Common.
142. (?)Empidonax Acadicus, Baird-Acadian flycatcher.
349
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
CAPRIMULGIDE-GOATSUCKERS.
143. Antrostomus vociferus, Bonap-Whippoorwill. Common.
144. (?) Antrostomus Nutallii, Cass-Nuttall's whippoorwill. In Kansas
145. Chordeiles Virginanus, Bonap-Night-hawk. Abundant.
CYPSELIDE-SWIFTS.
146. Chætura pelasgica, Baird-Chimney swift. See note 146. TROCHILIDE-HUMMING-BIRDS.
147. Trochuilus colubris, Linn-Humming-bird. Common.
ALCEDINIE-KINGFISHERS.
148. Ceryle alcyon, Boie-King-fisher. Abundant along all streams. CUCULIDE-CUCKOOS.
149. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus, Bonap-Black-billed cuckoo. Not common.
150. Coccyzus Americana, Bonap-Yellow-billed cuckoo.
PICIDE-WOODPECKERS.
151. Picus villosus, Linn-Hairy woodpecker. The most abundant of the family.
152. (?) Picus pubescens, Linn-Downy woodpecker.
153. Syphrapicus varius, Baird-Yellow flicker. Common.
154. Centuris Carolinus, Bonap-Red-bellied woodpecker. Abundant in winter.
155. Melanerpes erythrocephalus, Swain -- Red-headed woodpecker. Abundant.
156. Colaptes auratus, Swain-Golden-winged woodpecker.
ARIDE -- PARROQUETS .*
157. * Conurus Carolinensis, Kuhl-Carolina parroquet. STRIGIDE-OWLS.
158. Strix flammea, Schl-Barn owl. See Birds of the Northwest, page 299.
159. Bubo Virginianus, Bonap -- Great horned owl. Usually abundant.
*A resident of Decatur county told me that he had several times seen a flock of parrots in the southern part of the county, on a tall, dead cottonwood tree, known to the neighboring people as the "parrot-tree " from its having been frequented at intervals by the same flock for several years .- Trippe.
350
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
160. Scops asio, Bonap-Screech owl. Very many in Fremont and Mills counties.
161. (?) Otus vulgaris, Flem .- Long-eared owl.
162. Brachyotus palustris, Bonap-Short-eared owl. Rare.
163. Syrinum nebulosum, Boie-Barred owl. Not common.
164. Nyctea scandiaca, Newt-A wanderer in this country.
165. (?) Nyctale albifrons, Cassin-Kirkland's owl. Very doubtful.
FALCONIDE-HAWKS.
166. Falco communis, Gmelin-Duck hawk.
167. Falco columbrius, Linn-Pigeon hawk. "The Little Corporal."
168. Falco Richardsonii, Ridgw-American merlin.
Falco sparverius, Linn-Sparrow hawk.
169. 170. (?) Astur atricapillus, Bonap-Gos-hawk. 171. 172. 173. 174. Buteo lineatus, Jardine-Red-shouldered hawk. 175. 176. Archibuteo lagopus, Gray-Rough-legged hawk. 177. Nauclerus furcatus, Vigors-Swallow-tailed hawk.
Circus Hudsonius, Vieill-Marsh hawk. Very numerous. See note
178. 178. 179. (?) Aquila chrysaetos, Linn-Golden eagle. 180. Halictus leucocephalus, Say-White-headed eagle. Shot on State line.
181.
Pandion haliætus, Cuv-Osprey; fish-hawk.
CATHARTIDE-VULTURES.
182. Cathartes aura, Illiger-Turkey buzzard. Very abundant.
COLUMBIDE-PIGEONS.
183. Ectopistes migratoria, Swain-Wild pigeon. Immense numbers formerly.
184. Zenædura Carolinensis, Bonap-Carolina dove. Common.
TETRAONIDE-GROUSE.
185. Pediæcætes phasianellus, Linn-Sharp-tailed grouse. Not common. 186. Cupidonia cupidio, Baird-Prairie hen. 'Very numerous .*
*Notwithstanding the legislation in its behalf, this species is being subjected to wanton and criminal destruction.
(*) Accipitar fuscus, Bonap-Sharp-shinned hawk. Accipiter Cooperii, Gray-Chicken hawk. Common.
Buteo borealis, Viell-Red-tailed hawk. Abundant.
(?) Buteo Pennsylvanicus, Bonap-Broad-winged hawk.
351
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
187. Bonasa umbellus, Steph-Ruffled grouse. In timber only.
PERDICIDE-PARTRIDGES.
188. Ortyx Virginianus, Bonap-Quail, bob-white. Abundant.
MELEAGRIDE-TURKEYS.
189. Meleagris Gallopavo, Linn-Wild turkey. Not now common. CHARADRIDE-PLOVERS.
190. Charadrius Virginicus, Bork-Golden plover.
191. Ægialitis vocifera, Bonap-Kidee plover. Abundant.
192. Egialitis meloda, Cab-Piping plover. Rare.
193. Ægialitis semipalmata, Cab-Ring plover. Kansas, Teste, snow. RECURVIROSTRIDE -- AVOCETS.
194. Recurvirostra Americana, Gmelin-Avocet. Common. 195. Himantopus nigricollus, Viell-Black-necked stilt.
PHALAROPODIDE.
196. Stegonopus Wilsoni, Coues-Wilson's phalarope. Abundant.
197. (?) Lobipes hyperboreus, Cuv-Northern phalarope.
198. (*) Pharlaropes fulicarius, Bonap-Red pharlarope. Migratory.
SCOLOPACIDE-SNIPES AND SANDPIPERS.
199. Philohela minor, Gray-Woodcock. Common.
200. Gallinago Wilsonii, Bonap-Wilson's snipe.
201. Macrorhamphus griseus, Leach-Red-breasted snipe. Teste Tripp.
202. Tringa canutus, Linn-Robin-snipe. Very common.
203. Tringa minutilla, Vieill-Least sandpiper.
204. (?) Tringa Bairdii, Coues-Baird's sandpiper.
205. Tringa maculata, Vieill-Jack snipe. Abundant.
206. * Tringa Americana, Cass-American dunlin.
207. Ereunetes pusillus, Cass-Semipalmated sandpiper. Numerous at times.
208. (?) Micropalama himantopus, Baird-Stilt sand-piper.
209. Totanus semipalmatus, Temm-Willit.
210. Totanus melanolucus, Vieill-Tell-tale, tattler. Very common.
211. Totanus flavipes, Vieill-Lesser yellow shanks.
212. Totanus solitarius, Aud-Wood-tattler. Common, note 212.
213. Tringoides macularius, Gray-Spotted sand-piper.
214. ·Limosa fedoa, Ord-Marbled godwit. Abundant.
215. Limosa Hudsonica, Swain-Hudsonian godwit.
352
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
216. Numenius longirostris, Wilson-Long-billed curlew.
217. Numenius Hudsonicus, Lathrop-Hudsonian curlew.
218. (?) Numenius borealis, Lath-Esquimaux curlew. " Extremely doubtful.
219. Tryngitis rufescens, Cab -- Buff-crested sandpiper.
TANTALIDE-IBISES.
220. Tantalus loculata, Linn-Wood ibis.
ARDEIDE-HERONS.
221. Ardea herodias, Linn-Great blue heron.
222. (?) Ardea egretta, Gray-Great white heron.
223. Ardea visrescens, Linn-Green heron, poke.
224. Nyctiardea grisea, Allen-Night heron.
225. Botaurus minor, Boie-American bittern.
226. Ardetta exillis, Gray-Little bittern. Rare.
GRUIDE-CRANES.
227. Grus Canadensis, Temm-Sand-hill crane.
228. Grus Americanus, Temm-White crane. RALLIDE-RAILS.
229. (?) Rallus elegans, Aud-Marsh hen.
230. Rallus Virginianus, Linn-Virginia rail.
231. Porzana Carolina, Vieill-Carolina rail.
232. Fulica Americana, Gmelin-Coot.
233. (?) Galinula galeata, Bonap-Florida gallinule.
234. Gallinula martinica, Lath-Purple gallinule.
ANATADIE-DUCKS .*
235. Cygnus Americana, Sharp-American swan.
236. Cygnus buccinator, Rich-Trumpeter.
237. Anser hyperboreus, Pallas-Snow goose.
238. Branta Canadensis, Gray-Canada goose.
239. Branta bernica, Scop-Black brant.
240. Anas boschas, Linn-Mallard.
241. Anas obscura, Gmelin-Dusky duck.
242. Querquedula discors, Stephens-Blue-winged teal.
243. Querquedula Carolinensis, Stephens-Green-winged teal.
244. Spatula clypeata, Boie-Shoveler.
* The ducks and other birds of the following families are unusually abundant; being mi- gratory they are most abundant in the spring and fall.
353
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
Chaulelasmus streperus, Gray-Gadwall.
245. 246. Mareca Americana, Stephens-Baldpate.
247. Aix Sponsa, Boie-Wood duck.
Fuligula marila, Steph-Bluebill, shuffler.
Fuligula affinis, Eyton-Broad-bill, little black-head.
Fulgula fernia, var. Americana, Coues-Red-head.
248. 249. 250. Fuligula collaris, Bonap-Ring necked duck. 251. 252. Fuligula vallisineria, Steph-Canvas-back duck. 253. 254. 255. Histrionicus torquatus, Bonap-Harlequin duck.
Bucephala clangula, Coues-Golden-eyed. Rare! Bucephala albiola, Baird-Butter ball.
E'rismatura rubida, Bonap-Ruddy duck.
256. 257. Mergus merganser, Linn-Sheldrake. 258. Mergus serrator, Linn-Red-bseasted merganser.
259. Mergus cucullatus, Linn-Hooded merganser.
PELECANDIE-PELICANS.
260. Pelecanus tyachrynchus, Lath-White pelican.
GRACULIDE-CORMORANTS. 261. Graculus dilophus, Gray-Double-crested cormorant. LARIDE-GULLS AND TERNS.
262. (?) Larus marinus, Linn-Black-backed gull.
263. Larus Delawarensis, Ord-Ring-billed gull.
264. ( ?? ) Larus Franklini, Rich-Franklin's rosy gull.
265. Sterna Anglica, Mont-Marsh tern.
266. Sterna hirundo, Linn-Wilson's tern.
267. Sterna antillarum, Cones-Least tern.
268. Hydrochelidon lariforimis, Coues-Black tern.
COLYMBIDE-LOONS AND GREBES.
269. Colymbus torquatus, Brunn-Loon.
270. Colymbus septentrionalis, Linn-Red-throated loon.
271. Podiceps holbollii, Reinh-Red-necked grebe.
272. Podiceps cornutus, Lath-Horned grebe.
273. Podiceps cristatus, Lath-Crested grebe.
274. Podilymbus podiceps, Lawr .- Carolina grebe; dabchick.
It will be observed from the above list that two hundred and seventy- four different and distinctly defined species of birds occur in this county, which are distributed among forty-six families and one hundred and sixty-
3
354
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY
eight genera. The presence of so large a number-a certain per centum of which are migratory, and though sometimes tarrying, are not, properly speaking, residents of the county-is to be attributed to the extensive wooded sections on its western side, and to its proximity to the valley of the Missouri, which acts as a great highway along which many birds mi- grate to or from high latitudes.
It would have been a matter of deep interest, and perhaps of abiding value, to have introduced short notes illustrative of the habits and homes of many species. The limits of a work of this nature will permit only a brief extract or two from the highest living authorities on American birds, which, it is hoped, may serve to interest some of the residents of this county in the study of their wonderful and beautiful avi-fauna. In the following notes the figures refer to the numbers of the preceding list:
No. 16 .- "I was walking in a narrow path through a hummock, which lies back of the old fort at Miami, Florida, and had paused to observe a female of this species, when I heard a low warbling which sounded like the distant songs of some bird I had never heard. I listened attentively, but could make nothing of it, and advanced a few paces, when I heard it more plainly. This time it appeared to come from above me, and looking up- ward, I saw a male gnat-catcher hopping nimbly from limb to limb on some small trees which skirted the woods. Although he was but a short distance away, I was obliged to watch the motion of his little throat before. I became convinced that this music came from him. It was even so, and nothing could be more appropriate to the delicate marking and size of the tiny, fairy-like bird than the silvery warble which filled the air with sweet continuous melody. I was completely surprised, for I never imagined that any bird was capable of producing notes so soft and low, yet each one was given with such distinctness that the ear could catch every part of the wondrous and complicated song. I watched him for some time, but he never ceased singing, save when he sprang into the air to catch some passing insect. The female seemed to enjoy the musical efforts that were accomplished for her benefit, for she drew gradually nearer, until she alighted upon the same tree with her mate. At this moment she took alarm and flew a short distance, followed by her mate. As I walked away I could hear the murmur of the love-song till it became indistinguishable from the gentle rustling of the leaves around."-Maynard.
No. 21 .- "Once when traveling through a portion of the most gloomy part of a thick and tangled wood in this great pine forest near Mauch Chunk, in Pennsylvania, at a time when I was intent on guarding myself against the venomous reptiles I expected to encounter, the sweet song of
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
this wren came suddenly on my ear, and with so cheery an effect that I sud- denly lost all apprehension of danger, and pressed forward through the rank briers and stiff laurels in pursuit of the bird, which I hoped was not far from its nest. But he, as if bent on puzzling me, rambled here and there among the thickest bushes with uncommon cunning, now singing in one spot not far distant, and presently in another in a different direction. After much exertion and considerable fatigue, I at last saw it alight on the side of a large tree, close to the roots, and heard it warble a few notes, which I thought exceeded any it had previously uttered. Suddenly an- other wren appeared by its side, but darted off in a moment, and the bird itself which I had followed, disappeared. I soon reached the spot, without having for an instant removed my eyes from it, and observed a protuber- ance covered with moss and lichens, resembling the excrescences which are often seen on our forest trees, with this difference, that the aperture was perfectly rounded, clean and quite smooth. I put a finger into it and felt the pecking of a bird's bill, while a querulous cry was emitted. In a word,
I had, for the first time in my life, found the nest of a winter wren. * * * * Externally it measured seven inches in length and four and a half in breadth; the thickness of its walls, composed of moss and lichens, was nearly two inches; and thus it presented internally the appearance of a nar- row bag, the wall, however, being reduced to a few lines where it was in contact with the bark of the tree. The lower half of the cavity was com- .pactly lined with the fur of the American hare, and in the bottom or bed of the nest there lay over this about half a dozen of the large, downy ab- dominal feathers of our common grouse, Tetrao umbellus."-Audubon.
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