USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan > Part 17
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Cistothorus stellaris .- Short-billed Marsh Wren. A common sum- mer resident, generally found inhabiting low meadow lands.
The birds of this family feed on spiders, grasshoppers, insects, their eggs, snails, moths, etc.
Family ALAUDIDE.
Eremophila alpestris .- Horned Lark. Winter resident; sometimes breeds. I have found the nest the latter part of winter when snow was still on the ground.
Eremophila alpestris, var. leucolæna .- Horned Lark. A common resident, but during our coldest weather it often withdraws to the South; breeds in April and nests on the ground.
These birds frequent barren and gravelly fields, feeding on seeds and insects. When the ground is covered with snow they may be seen feeding in barn-yards, on the droppings of the stock.
Family MOTACILLIDE.
Anthus lodovicianus .- Titlark. An abundant migrant in late fall and early spring, frequenting the same localities and subsisting on the same food as the preceding. Late in the fall, in the town of Pittsfield, I have often found the birds in flocks of a thousand.
Family SYLVICOLIDE.
Mniotilta varia .- Black and White Creeper. A very common summer resident, nesting on the ground, generally beside a fallen log.
Parula americana .- Blue Yellow-backed Warbler. Migrant, not very common, generally found in the tree-tops of our swamps and heavy timber land.
Helminthaphoga pinus .- Blue-winged Yellow Warbler. Sum- mer resident, very rare.
Helminthophaga chrysoptera .- Blue Golden-winged Warbler. A very common spring and fall migrant, frequently remaining all summer, breeding in low, damp woods.
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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
Helminthophaga ruficapilla .- Nashville Warbler. A remarkably common migrant.
Helminthophaga celata .- Orange-crowned Warbler. A not very common migrant.
Helminthophaga peregrina .- Tennessee Warbler. A very com- mon migrant, coming to us in late spring and early fall.
Dendroca estiva .- Yellow Warbler. A very common summer resident. Breeds about our gardens in shrubs and low trees.
Dendroeca virens .- Black-throated Green Warbler. A very com- mon migrant.
Dendræca cerulescens .- Black-throated Blue Warbler. A very common migrant.
Dendroeca coerulea .- Blue Warbler. A very common summer resident breed, nesting in the tops of tall trees.
Dendroeca coronata .- Yellow-rumped Warbler. A remarkably common migrant. Probably two-thirds of our warblers found in the woods in early May are Yellow-rumps. This bird is also a rare summer resident.
Dendroeca blackburnice .- Blackburnian Warbler. A common spring and fall visitor.
Dendroeca striata .-- Black-poll Warbler. The last of our warblers to arrive in the spring when it comes in immense num- bers. Every tree-top seems to contain two or three. Early in September this bird again returns to us on its way to its winter home.
Dendroeca castanea .- Bay-breasted Warbler. A not very com- mon migrant; still I have never failed to find it about the middle of May when on the way to its summer haunts.
Dendræca pennsylvanica .- Chestnut-sided Warbler. A common summer resident, breeds generally, building its nest in hazel brush.
Dendræca maculosa .- Black and Yellow Warbler. A common spring visitor, sometimes stays with us all summer.
Dendroca tigrina .- Cape May Warbler. Not common; comes to us in May when the apple-trees are in flower. I have found more specimens in orchards than elsewhere.
Dendræca discolor .- Prairie Warbler. I have never taken but few, and regard the bird as rare in this State.
Dendroca dominica .- Yellow-throated Warbler. I cannot learn that this bird has ever been shot in this county, still I have taken it in other portions of the State and I think it will yet be detected here.
Dendroca kirtlandii .- Kirtland's Warbler. Of this rare bird but eleven specimens have ever been taken by naturalists. Of this number I have had the pleasure to secure two,-both specimens being shot in the town of Scio on May 15, 1875, and May 16, 1879, respectively .
Dendroca palmarum .- Yellow Red-poll Warbler. Common in spring and fall.
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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
Dendroca pinus .- Pine-creeping Warbler. Rare summer resi- dent in this county; common in other portions of the State.
Sciurus auricapillus .- Golden-crowned Thrush or Oven Bird. Very common summer resident, frequents rather low, open woods or groves.
Sciurus novius .- Water Thrush. Not a common summer resi- dent; breeds.
Sciurus motacilla .- Large-billed Water Thrush. A very com- mon summer resident, breeds abundantly in swampy timber lands.
Oporornis agilis .- Connecticut Warbler. I have secured one specimen in this county, May 17, 1880. I find no record of any ever being shot in this State before 1879, and I think the bird will yet be common here, as we have suitable localities for it. It is a very beautiful songster.
Geothlypis trichas .- Maryland Yellow-throat. A very common summer resident.
Geothlypis philadelphia .- Mourning Warbler. This handsome bird is rare in this county. I have a record of but three specimens; still it is common in other sections of the State.
Myiodictes mitratus .- Hooded Fly-catching Warbler. In my investigation I have found this bird to be a very rare summer resi- dent, but I think it will yet be found common in some portion of the county.
Myiodictes pusillus .- Black-capped Fly catching Warbler. Very common during the spring and autumn; some remain with us all summer.
Myiodictes canadensis .- Canada Fly-catching Warbler. A very common migrant, frequently remaining all summer.
Setophaga ruticilla .- Redstart. A very common summer resident.
This interesting family, the second largest of North American birds, is mostly confined to the woodland, though a portion may be observed during spring and fall in the gardens and shade trees of towns and cities. Their principal food consists of insects, of which they devour a countless number. Birds of the genera Mniotilta and Parula are creeping warblers; those of the genus Helmin- thophaga are worm-eating warblers; of the genus Dendroca are wood warblers; of the genera Sciurus, Oporornis and Geothlypis are ground warblers; of the genera Myiodioctes and Setophaga are fly-catching warblers,-beautiful little winged genera coming to us in May when all nature is adorned in the brightest livery. "They visit the orchard when the apple and pear, the peach, plum and cherry are in bloom, seeming to revel carelessly amid the sweet- scented and delicately-tinted blossoms, but never faltering in their good work. They peer into the crevices of the bark, scrutinize each leaf, and explore the very heart of the buds, to detect, drag forth, and destroy those tiny creatures, singly so insignificant but yet collectively a scourge, which prey upon the hope of the fruit- grower, and which, if undisturbed, would bring his care to nought.
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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
Family TANAGRIDE.
Pyranga rubra .- Scarlet Tanager. Summer visitor, very common.
Pyranga œstiva .- Summer Red-bird. I find a record of but one specimen being shot in this State; that specimen I had the pleasure of securing. It was a fine male, taken on July 13, 1879. This bird must be regarded as a rare accidental visitor from the South.
Family HIRUNDINIDE.
Hirundo horreorum .- Barn Swallow. Very common summer resident.
Tachycineta bicolor .- White-bellied Swallow. Common summer resident.
Petrochelidon lunifrons .-- Cliff or Eave Swallow. Common sum- mer resident.
Cotyle riparia .- Bank or Sand Swallow. A common summer resi- dent in suitable localities.
Progne purpurea .- Purple Martin. Formerly a common summer resident, but is being driven out by the English Sparrow (Passer domesticus).
Birds of this family feed exclusively upon winged insects, and the amount of good done by them must forever remain unknown.
Family AMPELIDA.
Ampelis garrulus .- Bohemian Waxwing. A very rare visitor, coming to us from the North. I have never met the bird but once, when I secured three specimens, Dec. 12, 1869.
Ampelis cedrorum .- Carolina Waxwing or Cherry Bird. A com- mon resident, breeding in August and September.
The food of these birds consists of fruit, such as apples, cherries and berries of the mountain ash and juniper. In the spring they feed on beetles, moths, and caterpillars.
Family VIREONIDAE.
Vireo olivaceus .- Red-eyed Vireo. An abundant summer resi- dent, frequenting our orchards.
Vireo philadelphicus -- Brotherly-love Vireo. A very rare mi- grant.
Vireo gilvus .- Warbling Vireo. A common summer resident. Probably two-thirds of the small birds seen about our apple-trees throughout the summer are of this species. Too much cannot be said in their favor.
Vireo flavifrons .-- Yellow-throated Vireo. A common summer resident of our woods and groves.
Vireo solitarius .- Solitary Vireo. A not common migrant gen- erally, although some seasons it is very common.
180
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
Vireo noveboracensis .- White-eyed Vireo. I now regard this bird as a rare summer resident, although a few years ago it was quite common.
The birds of this family are found mostly in the woodlands. The Warbling Vireo is quite common in towns and cities, and the White-eyed Vireo is found along our streams, inhabiting the thick- ets; their food consists almost wholly of insects, of which caterpillars form a large portion.
Family LANIDE.
Collurio borealis .- Great Northern Shrike, or Butcher-bird. A not common winter resident. This bird also sometimes remains with us to breed. I have found it nesting here twice.
Collurio ludovicianus .- Loggerhead Shrike. A common summer resident, sometimes remaining all winter.
Collurio ludovicianus, var. excubitorides .- White-rumped Shrike. Summer resident, common.
The Shrikes or Butcher-birds form a small but interesting family of bold and spirited birds, quarrelsome among themselves. Their habits in some respects resemble those of the birds of prey; their food consists of large insects, mice and small birds. They are noted for impaling their prey on thorns or sharp twigs and leaving it sticking there, but for what purpose yet remains a mystery to orni- thologists. Taken as a whole I regard the bird as beneficial.
Family FRINGILLIDE.
Pinicola enucleator .- Pine Grosbeak; is an occasional winter vis- itor. My last record of his presence was in the winter of 1874-'75.
Carpodacus purpureus .- Purple Finch. A very common mi- grant.
Curvirostra leucoptera .- White-winged Crossbill. A rare winter visitor.
Curvirostra americana .- Red Crossbill. A very rare winter visitor. My only records are March 18 to 27, 1869, and winter of 1874-'75, when they were common.
Ægiothus linarius .- Red-poll Linnet. A very irregular winter visitor, but very common with us.
Ægiothus linarius, var. exilipes .- American Mealy Red-poll. Rare, always found associating with the last.
Chrysomitris pinus .- Pine Linnet. A winter visitor from the North.
Chrysomitris tristis .-- Goldfinch or Yellow-bird. A very com- mon resident.
Plectrophanes nivalis .- Snow Bunting. A common, but irreg- ular winter visitor.
Plectrophanes lapponicus .- Lapland Longspur. Winter visitor. Common.
181
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
Passerculus savanna .- Savanna Sparrow. A common migrant.
Povecetes gramincus .- Bay-winged Bunting. A very common spring, summer and fall visitor.
Coturniculus passerinus .- Yellow-winged Sparrow. A rare sum- mer resident.
Coturniculus henslowii .-- Henslow's Sparrow. A very rare summer visitor.
Melospiza lincolnii .- Lincoln's Sparrow. A very rare migrant.
Melospiza palustris .- Swamp Sparrow. A common migrant, but rare summer resident.
Melospiza melodia .- Song Sparrow. A common spring, sum- mer and fall resident.
Junco hyemalis .- Snowbird. A very common winter resident. Has been known to breed. .
Spizella monticola .- A common winter resident.
Spizella socialis .- Chipping Sparrow. A very common sum- mer resident.
Spizella pusilla .- Field Sparrow. A common summer resi- dent.
Spizella pallida .- Clay-colored Sparrow. A very rare migrant.
Zonatrichia albicollis .- White-throated Sparrow. A very com- mon migrant. Have found it nesting here once.
Zonotrichia leucophrys .- White-crowned Sparrow. A common migrant.
Chondestes grammaca .- Lark Finch. A rare, but very regular, migrant.
Passer domesticus .- English Sparrow. This detestable bird is an imported resident. A few pair first made their appearance here in 1873: the streets of Ann Arbor are now overrun with them, and they are gradually making their way to the country. Wherever they locate they drive out the martin, blue-bird, swallows, spar- rows, etc. They are a seed-eating bird, and in portions of Europe do great damage to the crops of the farmer. In some of the East- ern States a bounty has already been placed on their heads, and the Legislature of Michigan would do a wise thing by making an effort to exterminate this growing evil now.
Passerella iliaca .-- Fox Sparrow. A very common spring and fall visitor.
Euspiza americana .- Black-throated Bunting. A few years ago this bird was regarded as a rare summer visitor. In the spring of 1877 they made their first appearance in considerable numbers, since which time they have grown quite common.
Goniaphea ludoviciana .- Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Summer resident. Common. Is found breeding along our water courses, in low trees and shrubs, and nesting in orchards.
Cyanospiza cyanea .-- Indigo Bird. An abundant summer resident, frequenting low woodlands overrun with briars.
Pipilo erythrophthalmus .- Towhee Bunting or Chewink. An abundant spring, summer and fall visitor; frequently remains all winter.
182
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
This is the great graminivorous family, the largest of North American birds. They are gregarious and feed entirely upon seed, except during the breeding season. Those which are residents all the year and those which are summer residents only subsist during the breeding season and feed their young almost exclusively on insects. At other times their food consists of the seeds of grass and weeds. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is the only bird known to feed on the potato bug; and the White-crowned Sparrow feeds on the grape-vine flea-beetle. The common Yellow-bird or Gold- finch prefers the seeds of the thistle and lettuce. The Purple Finch is fond of oily seed. I had a flock of twenty-two remain with me about two weeks this fall, and feed on the seeds of the sunflower which had grown up near the back door of my home. The Fox Sparrow and Chewink scratch the ground for hybernating insects and snails. The English Sparrow feeds on the seeds contained in the droppings of animals. The Cross-bills feed on the seeds con- tained in pine cones.
Family ICTERIDE.
Dolichonyx oryzivorus .- Bobolink. An abundant summer resi- dent.
Molothrus pecoris .-- Cow-bird or Cow Blackbird; a summer visitor. Frequents old pasture land and the edge of woods. Like the European Cuckoo it builds no nest, but lays its eggs in the nest of smaller birds, such as Warblers, Vireos and Sparrows.
Agelæus phoniceus .- Red-winged Blackbird. Abundant sum- mer visitor.
Sturnella magna .- Meadow Lark. A common summer visitor.
Sturnella magna, var. neglecta .- Western Meadow Lark. Nota rare visitor, from the West.
Icterus spurius .--- Orchard Oriole. Summer resident, very common. Generally nests in the orchards; still have found it nest- ing in swamps and woods.
Icterus baltimore .-- Baltimore Oriole. Summer resident. Abundant.
Scolicophagus ferrugineus .-- Rusty Grackle. Common. Re- mains with us about two weeks in the spring.
Quiscalus purpureus .-- Crow Blackbird. A very common sum- mer resident.
This family is decidedly gregarious, with the exception of one or two species. Even during the breeding season, when the flocks of Sparrows are broken up and each family lives in independence, the Starlings still associate together. Their bill of fare is composed of various insects, such as caterpillars, May-flies, beetles, moths, crick- ets, spiders, grasshoppers, etc. Also feed on grains, such as seeds of weeds, corn, oats, wheat, etc. The Cow-bird destroys the eggs and young of other birds. The Orioles feed to a large extent dur- ing the breeding season on hairy caterpillars. I have known a sin-
183
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
gle pair of these birds to destroy an entire nest of the caterpillars of the codling moth in a single day. The Orioles are the least graminivorous of the family; but in return for their watchful care over the orchard and garden, they take their tithe of the first and finest small fruits. They have also a liking for green peas, of which they generally secure their share.
Family CORVIDA.
Corvus corax .- Raven. Some years ago was quite common, now very rare. The last specimen secured was in 1878.
Corvus americanus .-- Crow. Very abundant. Can hardly be called resident, as they withdraw to the south during the coldest part of winter.
Cyanurus cristatus .-- Blue Jay. This beautiful and well known bird is a common resident.
This is the omnivorous family feeding on eggs, grubs, fruits, reptiles, young birds, mice, moles, corn, caterpillars, acorns, carrion, offal, etc. Taking the year through, I think the amount of good done by these birds more than overbalances the damage.
Family TYRANNIDE.
Tyrannus carolinensis .- King-Bird. Abundant summer resi- dent. Frequents orchards and the edge of woodland.
Myiarchus crinitus .- Great Crested Fly-catcher. Abundant summer resident of our woodland. This bird has a characteristic habit of using the cast-off skin of snakes as a part of its nest.
Sayornis fuscus .- Pewee or Phoebe bird. A common summer resident, resting in open buildings and under bridges.
Contopus borealis .- Olive-sided Fly-catcher. A rare migrant. Nesting to the north of us.
Contopus virens .- Wood Pewee. Summer resident. Abundant. A bird of the orchard and woodland.
Empidonax acadius .- Acadian Fly-catcher. Summer resident. Rare. "Has been found nesting several times,
Empidonax traillii .- Traill's Fly-catcher. A not common sum- mer resident. Has been found nesting.
Empidonax minimus .- Least Fly-catcher. A very common summer resident.
Empidonax flaviventris .- Yellow-bellied Fly-catcher. A com- mon migrant, but rare summer resident.
The food of this family consists almost wholly of winged insects, which it captures on the wing. The King-bird and the Pewee are found in open places; the remainder of the family consists of woodland birds.
Family CAPRIMULGIDA.
Antrostomus vociferus .- Whippoorwill. Common summer resi- dent.
184
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
Chordeiles virginianus .- Night-hawk. A very common summer resident.
The Whippoorwill and Night-hawk capture their prey on the wing. They are nocturnal in their habits. The Whippoorwill is a bird of the woods, while the Night-hawk affects more open places, nesting in pasture lands and frequently in corn-fields. They feed on grasshoppers, moths, flies, beetles, winged insects, etc.
Family CYPSELIDE.
Chotura pelasgia .- Chimney Swift, or Chimney Swallow. A very common summer resident. Nests in unused chimneys, barns, and frequently in hollow trees. It feeds on small winged insects, which it captures on the wing.
Family TROCHILIDE.
Trochilus colubris .- Ruby-throated Humming bird. This beautiful little gem of emeralds and rubies is a very common sum- mer resident, coming to us in May, nesting the latter part of June, and leaving for its winter home in September. As a child, I always had a passion for the Humming-bird. It ever caused a thrill of delight when one of these glittering creatures, with its soft humof flight, came out of repose all suddenly, hanging a sapphire stilled upon the air; for here no wings are seen, as, like a quick, bright thought, it darts, is still, and then away! "Of all animated beings " says Buffon, " the Humming-bird is the most elegant in form and brilliant in color. The stones and metals, polished by art, are not comparable to this gem of nature; she has placed it in the order of birds, but amongst the tiniest of the race she has loaded it with all the gifts of which she has only imparted a share to other birds; agility, nimbleness, grace and rich attire all belong to this little favorite. The emerald, the ruby and the topaz glitter in her garb, which is never soiled with the dirt of earth, for, leading an aerial life, it rarely touches the turf, even for an instant. Always in the air, flying from flower to flower, it shares their freshness and their splendor, imbibes their nectar, and only inhabits those climes in which they are unceasingly renewed. The Humming-bird seems to follow the sun, to advance, to retire with him, and to fly on the wings of the wind in pursuit of an eternal spring." The food of the Humming-bird consists of small beetles, spiders and winged insects, which are captured in the corolla of flowers.
Family ALCEDINIDE.
Ceryle alcyon .- Belted King-fisher. A common summer resi- dent in suitable localities. The food of this bird consists of fish.
Robert Pedder Lind March 11 1866 ige 053
187
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
Family CUCULIDE.
Coccygus erythrophthalmus .- Black-billed Cuckoo. An abundant summer resident. A bird of the woods, but frequently seen in the orchards.
Coccygus americanus .- Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Not a common summer resident; rarely breeds. These birds feed upon hairy cat- erpillars, moths, young birds, eggs, berries, beetles, etc.
Family PICIDE.
Picus villosus .- Hairy Woodpecker. Common resident.
Picus pubescens .- Downy Woodpecker. Common resident.
Picoides arcticus .- Arctic Black-backed Woodpecker. I can record but one specimen of this arctic bird for Washtenaw county; Jan. 26, 1881, a male.
Sphyrapicus varius .- Yellow-bellied Woodpecker. Very com- mon during migrations; some remain all summer.
Centurus carolinus .- Red-bellied Woodpecker. Very common resident. Breeds in heavy timber.
Melanerpes erythrocephalus .- Red-headed Woodpecker. Gen- erally a common resident; but during a portion of some winters withdraws to the South.
Colaptes auratus .- Golden-winged Woodpecker. A common resident.
The food of this family consists largely of wood-boring insects, also fruit, green corn and berries. The Red-headed and Golden- winged are frequently on the ground in search of ants. The Yel- low-bellied suck the sap from apple and other trees, and have been known to do great damage in some parts of America; but as they remain with us but a short time during migrations, our fruit- growers need have no fear. Some claim that the trees visited by them seem to be benefited.
Family STRIGIDE.
Strix flammea, var. americana .- Barn Owl. A rare straggler from the South. The last specimen seen was in the spring of 1879.
Bubo virginianus .- Great Horned Owl. A common resident. Scops asio .- Screech Owl. Resident, very abundant.
Olus vulgaris, var. wilsonianus .- Long-eared Owl. Common resident.
Brachyotus palustris .- Short-eared Owl. Very abundant resi- dent.
Syrnium nebulosum .- Common resident.
Nyctea nivea .- Snowy Owl. Not a very rare visitor. He comes from the North some winters.
Surnia ulula, 12 var. hudsonica .- Hawk Owl. A rare winter visitor.
12
188
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
Nyctale tegmalmii, var. Richardsonii .-- Sparrow Owl. A rare winter visitor. Only two specimens have been secured.
Nyctale acadica .- Acadian Owl. A very common winter vis- itor, and quite a common resident. Found nesting once here, May 23, 1879.
The owls are the nocturnal family of raptorial birds. Their food consists of rats, mice, squirrels, rabbits, quail, partridges, small birds and large insects. The Snowy Owl catches fish; the Barred Owl, frogs; and the Great Horned Owl is the thief in the night that visits the poultry yard. All of the smaller species must be regarded as highly beneficial.
Family FALCONIDE.
Circus cyaneus, var. hudsonius .- Marsh Hawk. A common summer resident. Nests on the ground.
Elanus leucurus .- White-tailed Kite. A very rare straggler from the South. Two specimens secured.
Accipiter fuscus .- Sharp-shinned Hawk. A very common migrant; a few remain all summer.
Accipiter cooperi .- Cooper's Hawk. Resident. Abundant.
Astur atricapillus .- Goshawk. A rare winter visitor.
Falco columbarius .- Pigeon Hawk. A rare migrant.
Falco sparverius .- Sparrow Hawk. A very common summer resident.
Buteo borealis .- Red-tailed Hawk. Resident. Abundant.
Buteo lineatus .- Red-shouldered Hawk. Resident. Common.
Buteo pennsylvanicus .- Broad-winged Hawk. Very common during migrations; an uncommon summer resident.
Buteo swainsonii .- Swainson's Hawk. A very rare resident. Found breeding once, May 5, 1880, when the eggs and female were secured.
Archibuteo lagopus, var. sancti-johannis .- Rough-legged Hawk or Black Hawk; very common in the fall.
Pandion haliaetus .- Fish Hawk. A common migrant; has been known to breed.
Haliaetus leucocephalus .- Bald Eagle; a not common migrant.
This is the diurnal family of birds of prey. Their food resembles that of the last. The species which commonly invade the barn- yard comprise the Cooper's, Goshawk, Red-tailed, Red-shouldered and the Broad-winged. These carry off chickens and ducks with surprising boldness. The Fish Hawk subsists entirely on fish. The Bald Eagle feeds on dead animals, carrion and fish: of the latter he is largely a dependent on the Fish Hawk.
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