Western Bird Guide

Nest.– Is generally placed on rocky ledges and cliffs, and sometimes in trees. Their nests are made of sticks lined with weeds and grass; three or four eggs of a reddish buff color, thickly blotched and sprinkled all over with reddish brown (2.05 × 1.60).

Range.– West of the Mississippi and from Dakota and Washington south to Mexico. Their food is mostly rodents secured on the prairies.

DUCK HAWK

356a. Falco peregrinus anatum. 17 inches

A most beautiful species, with a black patch, or moustache, on side of the throat from the bill; head and upper parts bluish gray with darker markings; under parts white, tinged with huffy on the lower part, and lightly barred with black, with the throat pure white. Their food consists mostly of ducks, which they always take while on the wing. It breeds abundantly on the Pacific coast and in some parts of Dakota on the rocky ledges.

Nest.– They are not home builders as a general thing, but lay their three or four eggs on the gravel or bare rocks of ledges or cliffs. The eggs are a reddish buff color, completely blotched and dotted with reddish brown. These are the darkest, brightest and the most beautiful of the Falcon eggs (2.05 × 1.55).

PIGEON HAWK

357. Falco columbarius. 12 inches

A small Falcon, similar to the Sharp-shinned Hawk, but a much darker and stouter built bird. It is a daring little fellow, and will attack birds much larger than itself. It feeds on small birds and mice.

APLOMADO FALCON

359. Falco fusco-cœrulescens. 14 inches

Found in some of the more southerly states, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and Central America. In habits it is very much the same as the following, getting its supply of food, consisting of small birds and insects, on the plains covered with the cactus and yucca, in which they build their nest of twigs, lining it with roots and grass, in which they lay three or four eggs, creamy white, strongly marked with shades of brown (1.75 × 1.30).

DESERT SPARROW HAWK

360a. Falco sparverius phalæna. 11 inches

This is next to the smallest of the Falcons, the Eastern form being a trifle smaller. They cannot be mistaken for any other species, because of their bright color and markings as illustrated. Their flight will almost of a certainty identify them at a long distance, a few rapid wing beats, then a short sail, alternately. Their food consists of grasshoppers, mice and an occasional small bird.

Nest.– Is built in the cavity of some tree, either in the woods or open field. The eggs are placed on the decayed wood without any lining.

AUDUBON CARACARA

362. Polyborus cheriway. 22 inches

A strongly marked bird; black wings, back and under parts with neck pure white, excepting on the lower part, with many short bar-like markings. Upper part of head black, with feathers elongated, making a slight crest.

Nest.– Is a bulky affair, shabbily built of sticks, weeds and grass, piled into a promiscuous heap, generally located in bushes or low trees. Two or three eggs; brownish buff, with spots and patches of shades of brown nearly covering the under color. They vary very much in the coloration and markings from light to dark.

Range.– Southern borders of the United States.

AMERICAN OSPREY; FISH HAWK

364. Pandion haliætus carolinensis. 23 inches

Probably no fisherman in the United States is so well known as is this bird. It is one of the pleasantest sights along the coast to watch a number of these great birds as they soar at an elevation above the water, watching for a fish to come near the surface, when, with folded wings, the bird speeds downward and plunges into the water, rarely missing his prey. Three or four creamy white eggs, with spots of brown of different shades (2.40 × 1.80).

BARN OWL – Family Aluconidæ

365. Aluco pratincola. 18 inches

This is one of the lightest colored of the owls; it has a long peculiarly hooded face, from which it gets the name of “Monkey-faced Owl.” Its plumage is yellowish buff, with black spots over the breast and under parts.

Nest.– In most any situation out of sight, such as hollows in old trees, or in ledges, in barns or bell towers. It lays from four to six white eggs (1.70 × 1.30).

Range.– North America, but most common in the Gulf States and on the western coast.

LONG-EARED OWL – Family Strigidæ

366. Asio wilsonianus. 15 inches

This species has unusually long ear tufts, from which it is given its name; the face is brown, the under parts white and buff, with streaks and bars of brownish black; back is brown, with almost black markings; wings and tail brown; barred with black.

Nest.– Usually in trees, frequently using a crow’s nest instead of building for themselves. They are in great disfavor with the crows. They lay from four to seven pure white eggs (1.55 × 1.35).

SHORT-EARED OWL

367. Asio flammeus. 16 inches

About the same size as the preceding, but readily identified from it by the short ear tufts and rounded head, and also lighter color. It is streaked on under parts and not barred. Tail is barred. Their flight is perfectly silent, which aids them in securing their prey of field mice and moles, which they usually get without stopping in their flight, just swooping down, and extending their long legs, armed with wicked little sharp claws, and it is all over with the little rodent, he being carried to a nearby stump and devoured, fur, bones and all.

Nest.– Is usually built upon the ground in marshy places, sometimes of grass and weeds, under some bush or near or under some log or stump. Four to seven pure white eggs (1.55 × 1.25).

SPOTTED OWL

369. Strix occidentalis. 20 inches

This is very similar to the Barred Owl of the Eastern and Southern States, but spotted, instead of barred, on the back of the head and neck, and much more extensively barred on the under parts.

GREAT GRAY OWL

370. Scotiaptex nebulosa. 27 inches

This owl in appearance is the largest of the family, but it is mostly in feathers, which are long and very fluffy. They do not weigh nearly as much as either the Horned or Snowy Owls. The plumage is dark gray above, mottled with white, and below is white with heavy streaks of brown. The facial disc is very large, and the eyes are small and yellow, while in the Barred Owl of similar appearance the face is much smaller, the eyes are larger and are bluish black in color.

Nest.– Is made of sticks and twigs, lined with leaves and moss. Two to four eggs; pure white (2.15 × 1.70).

Range.– In winter they are found quite abundantly in Minnesota and North Dakota, and occasionally in northern California and Oregon.

RICHARDSON OWL

371. Cryptoglaux funerea richardsoni. 10 inches

This bird is dark grayish and white, without ear tufts. Back and wings brownish, spotted with white; facial disc very light, with faint gray lines, and under parts light gray with brown streaks.

SAW-WHET OWL

372. Cryptoglaux acadica. 8 inches

This species is similar to the preceding, but is smaller and more of a brownish color all over. It has no ear tufts. They are very quiet little birds, nocturnal in their habits, and cannot see well in the strong light, a fact that has allowed them to be captured by hand from their roosting places in the trees.

Nest.– They will usually select the hole of a woodpecker, in which to lay their four white eggs. Their eggs are laid and the young are hatched and out of the nests before the breeding time for woodpeckers, so that the same home may be occupied later by another family (1.20 × 1.00).

Range.– North America, breeding in the northern part of the United States and British Columbia, and wintering to southern California.

SCREECH OWL

373. Otus asio asio. 10 inches

These may be found in two color phases, the red or gray with black and white markings. It is frequently called the “Little Horned Owl,” because of its ear tufts. They are easily tamed and become great pets, and about a barn are as good as a cat for catching mice.

FLAMULATED SCREECH OWL

374. Otus flammeolus. 9 inches

This is a trifle smaller than the two preceding, has shorter ear tufts, and the plumage is much streaked and edged with rusty. The toes are unfeathered to the base. The number of eggs and nesting habits are practically the same as the preceding, as are also the five or six sub-species between this and the last, all of which occur in the southwestern part of the United States.

WESTERN HORNED OWL

375a. Bubo virginianus pallescens. 22 inches

These large birds are the most fierce and destructive of the family. They are powerfully built, and their size and strength allow them to attack and secure some of the larger animals, such as skunks, woodchucks, rabbits, grouse and poultry. They seem to be especially fond of skunks, and more than half of them that are killed will have unmistakable evidence of their recent and close association with this animal.

Nest.– Is usually in some large deserted nest, or in hollow cavities of large trees. Three or four white eggs, almost round (2.20 × 1.85).

SNOWY OWL

376. Nyctea nyctea. 25 inches

Like the Horned Owls they are strong, fearless and rapacious birds, feeding upon hares, squirrels and smaller mammals, as well as Grouse, Ptarmigan and many of the smaller birds. They are locally abundant in the far north, preferring low marshy land to the more heavily timbered districts.

Nest.– Placed on the ground, on mossy hummocks on the dry portions of marshes, made of moss with a few feathers. Three to eight eggs, pure white, and the shell very smooth (2.25 × 1.75).

Range.– Arctic Regions of North America, and in winter casually as far south as California.

HAWK OWL

377a. Surnia ulula caparoch. 15 inches

This owl, mottled and barred, gray and black, might readily be taken for a Hawk, because of his hawk-like appearance, and long rounded tail. They are very active birds especially in the day time, and they do most of their hunting in daylight rather than at night. Their food consists of small rodents and many small birds.

Nest.– In hollow trees or upon the ground. Four to eight white eggs (1.50 × 1.20).

BURROWING OWL

378. Speotyto cunicularia hypogæa. 10 inches

These birds are wholly different in plumage, form and habits from any other American Owls. Easily identified by their long, slender and scantily feathered legs. They are brownish above, spotted with white, and under parts are white spotted with brown. Tail dark brown, with five white bars across it. They are an abundant and useful species west of the Mississippi. They live in the same regions as the Prairie Dogs are found, and use the deserted burrows of these animals, or take them by force, for they are more than a match for these curious animals.

Nest.– Generally in quite large communities in burrows in the ground, usually lining them with grass and feathers. They may often be seen sitting at the opening of their burrows during the day time. Six to ten white eggs are laid (1.25 × 1.00).

PYGMY OWL

379. Glaucidium gnoma. 7 inches

These interesting little Owls, which are found in the Rocky Mountains, westward from British Columbia to Mexico, feed in the day time upon insects, mice and occasionally small birds. They are to be seen in the wooded districts. Nest in holes of trees. Four eggs (1.00 × .90).

FERRUGINOUS PYGMY OWL

380. Glaucidium phalænoides. 7 inches

This is very similar to the last, but in color is much more rufous on the upper parts, and the tail is of a bright chestnut color crossed by several bands of black. They live largely on the small rodents and birds which they secure during the daytime. They nest in hollow cavities of trees, from ten to forty feet from the ground, laying four glossy white eggs (1.10 × .90).

ELF OWL

381. Micropallas whitneyi. 6 inches

This odd little bird is the smallest of the family found in America. In plumage it may be described as being very like a small Screech Owl, without the ear tufts, only with the pattern of the markings much finer. They are quite abundant in central Mexico and in southern Arizona, where they build their nests in deserted Woodpecker holes, or perhaps more frequently in the giant cactus. It differs from the preceding in being a bird of the night, rarely flying in daylight. They feed almost exclusively upon insects, and rarely a mole or field mouse. They lay from three to five white eggs, having a slight gloss (1.02 × .90).

THICK-BILLED PARROT – Family Psittacidæ

382.1. Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha. 16 inches

A Mexican bird, casually found north to the Mexican borders of the United States. It has a heavy, thick bill; black; and the plumage is entirely green, except for the deep red forehead and wings at the shoulder; under-coverts of wings yellowish. Their eggs are white and laid in natural cavities of trees in the deep forests.

Order – COCCYGES

ROADRUNNER

385. Geococcyx californicus. 22 inches

This curious species is known as the “Chaparral Cock,” “Ground Cuckoo,” “Snake Killer,” etc. Its upper parts are a glossy greenish brown, each feather being edged or fringed with white. The tail is very long, broad and graduated, the central feathers being much the longest; the feathers being tipped with white. They are noted for their swiftness of foot, getting over the ground at an astonishing rate, aided by their outstretched wings and spread tail, which act as aeroplanes. Their legs are long, and they have two toes in front and two back. Their food consists of caterpillars, lizards and small snakes.

CALIFORNIA CUCKOO

387a. Coccyzus americanus occidentalis. 13 inches

This bird is the same as the eastern variety, except being a little larger and the bill more stout. It may be distinguished by its blackish, long tail, tipped with white, and its yellow under-bill. Reddish brown patch on the wings.

Nest.– Is made of twigs loosely put together, and lined with grass, or shreds of grape vine bark. The nests are generally very shabbily built and so nearly flat on top that the eggs will frequently roll out. They are located near the ground in low bushes or trees; three or four eggs are deposited at intervals of several days, and frequently young birds and eggs are found in the nest at the same time. Like the Flicker this bird will continue laying if one egg is removed at a time, and as many as twelve have been taken from the same nest by this means. Eggs are a pale greenish blue (1.20 × .90).

COPPERY-TAILED TROGAN – Family Trogonidæ

389. Trogon ambiguus. 12 inches

This is the only member of this family of beautiful birds that reaches our borders. They nest in cavities of trees, usually in Woodpecker holes. Three or four white eggs (1.10 × .85).

BELTED KINGFISHER – Family Alcedinidæ

390. Ceryle alcyon. 13 inches

The rattling note of this well known bird is familiar in almost all localities in the neighborhood of ponds or rivers where small fish are common, throughout North America. Their food consists almost entirely of small fish, which they catch by plunging upon from high in the air, where they will hover over the water similar to the Osprey, or they will spend their time sitting upon an overhanging limb, and, when a fish is seen, drop from that upon the fish, usually taking it back to the limb to be eaten.

Nest.– Is located at the end of burrows, which they dig out of the sand banks or the banks of creeks and rivers, sometimes extending back from six to eight feet, usually with a little rise in the tunnel for the purpose of keeping it dry. They lay from five to eight glossy white eggs (1.35 × 1.05).

RINGED KINGFISHER

390.1. Ceryle torquata. 8½ inches

This is somewhat larger than the above, and found only on the most southern borders of the United States. Eggs white (1.45 × 1.10).

Order PICI – WOODPECKERS

HARRIS WOODPECKER – Family Picidæ

393c. Dryobates villosus harrisi. 10 inches

This species is similar in every way to its eastern relatives and for coloring is as illustrated. The nesting habits of this and the sub-species are the same, and the eggs cannot be identified as being different. Four pure white eggs are placed at the bottom of some cavity, in tall trees usually (.95 × .70).

CABANIS WOODPECKER

393d. Dryobates villosus hyloscopus. 10 inches

Some lighter on the under parts than preceding (not illustrated).

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HAIRY WOODPECKER

393e. Dryobates villosus monticola. 10½ inches

A trifle larger, and white below (not illustrated).

GAIRDNER WOODPECKER

394a. Dryobates pubescens gairdneri. 7 inches

A smaller bird than any of the preceding, similar in coloring, as illustrated. It is a more sociable bird and is found about the dwellings in country places, and even in the larger cities about the parks.

TEXAS WOODPECKER

396. Dryobates scalaris bairdi. 7½ inches

This species is brownish white below, has the back barred with black and white, on account of which it is often known as the “Ladder-back Woodpecker.” The male has the whole crown red, shading into mixed black and whitish on the forehead. Its habits and eggs are the same as the previous species.

NUTTALL WOODPECKER

397. Dryobates nuttalli. 7 inches

Where the two former have red crowns, this one has a crown of black and a small red patch on the back of nape. Outer tail feathers nearly all white, while in the former they are barred with black and white. They are pugnacious little birds and will drive many of the larger Woodpeckers from their locality.

Nest.– In holes of trees, either in dead stumps or growing trees at no great elevation from the ground. Four pure white eggs are laid at the bottom of the cavity, on the decayed wood (.85 × .65). Their food is gathered from under the bark, consisting of larvæ, ants and small insects.

ARIZONA WOODPECKER

398. Dryobates arizonæ. 8 inches

This is an entirely different looking bird from any of the others of the Woodpecker family, being uniform brownish above and a grayish white below, with black spots. The male having a crescent shaped patch of red on the back of the head, outlined mostly with white. It is locally common at the higher altitudes in the mountains of Arizona.

Nest.– Is practically the same in habits as others mentioned, nesting in holes of trees, and laying four white eggs (.85 × .60).

WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER

399. Xenopicus albolarvatus. 9 inches

This odd species is wholly a dull black color, except for the white head and neck, and basal half of the primaries. It also has on the male a small red spot on the back of the neck. They are said to be more silent than other members of the Woodpecker family, and rarely make the familiar tapping and never the drumming sound. They secure their food by scaling the bark from the trees, prying it off, instead of drilling a hole. They nest at any height, but the greater number seem to prefer near the ground (20 feet), and in old dead pine stubs. They lay from four to six glossy white eggs (.95 × .70).

ARCTIC THREE-TOED WOODPECKER

400. Picoides arcticus. 9½ inches

As implied by the name, members of this genus have but three toes, two in front and one behind. The plumage of this species is entirely black above, and whitish below, with the flanks barred with blackish. The male has a yellow patch on the crown. They breed abundantly in coniferous forests in mountain regions throughout their range, laying their four or five pure white eggs in decayed tree stumps (.95 × .70). They do more boring for their insect food, and, during mating season, are very persistent in their roll call on dead limbs of trees.

AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER

401. Picoides americanus. 9 inches

The greatest difference between this bird and the last is on the back, it having several narrow bars of white near the neck or a patch of white in place of the bars. Breeding habits are the same.

ALASKA THREE-TOED WOODPECKER

401a. Picoides americanus fasciatus. 9 inches

In every particular similar to the last, with the patch of white on the back possibly a little larger. Habits just the same (not illustrated).

YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER

402. Sphyrapicus varius. 8½ inches

This is one of the most handsomely marked of the family; they may be identified easily by the red crown and throat (female having white on the throat), each bordered by black, forming a wide breast band, with a band of white, black and white back of it. The under parts yellow. This species and the two following are the only real sapsuckers, a crime that is often attributed to the most useful of the family. While they without doubt will take some of the sap from trees, their food consists more of insect life, ants in particular.

Nest.– Is placed in a cavity of decayed trees. Four to seven glossy white eggs (.85 × .60).

RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER

403. Sphyrapicus ruber. 8½ inches

A Pacific coast bird from Lower California to Oregon. The entire head, neck and breast of this species is red, of varying shades in different individuals, from carmine to nearly a scarlet. The remainder of their plumage is similar to the above. Nesting habits the same.

WILLIAMSON SAPSUCKER

404. Sphyrapicus thyroideus. 9 inches

A great variation in the plumage of this oddly marked bird is found. The male is mostly black on the back and breast, with a white rump, and with only a narrow patch of red on the throat; the under parts are bright yellow. The female is entirely different, being brownish in place of the black on the male, has no red on the throat, and on the back is barred with black and white.

Their nesting habits are the same as those of the family previously mentioned. Four to seven white eggs (.97 × .67).

NORTHERN PILEATED WOODPECKER

405a. Phlœotomus pileatus albieticola. 17 inches

This is one of the largest and strongest of the Woodpeckers; they are a sooty black on the upper parts and breast; the crest is long and bright red, and the male has a red line back of the eye; sides of the neck pure white, and patch of white on the wings. Female is more of a grayish black color than the male. As the large trees are being cut away in many localities where these birds were to be found, they are gradually driven farther north or into the mountain regions, where they can find the heavy timber in which they make their homes.

RED-HEADED WOODPECKER

406. Melanerpes erythrocephalus. 9½ inches

In flight, this is one of the most conspicuous of the woodpeckers. It has a bright red head, neck and breast, glossy blue-black on the back and tail, white rump, under parts and secondaries. It is more abundant in the east and middle United States, but occurs fairly common in Arizona and Texas to Colorado. It nests in any kind of trees, telegraph poles or will even drill a hole under the eaves of the barn or house in some localities. They are the most pugnacious of the woodpeckers, and often are seen chasing one another or driving away some other bird. They feed also upon ants, larvæ of insects, and small fruits and berries.