Auk2q8 Richmond and K.nowlton on Montina Birch. q"j
possibly because he had seen me the first time. I had only
one good view of him on the ground.
Mr. Faxon devoted his entire attention this evening to
studying the aerial flight. His conclusions are that during the
production of each set of musical (water-whistle) notes, the
bird holds his wings extended and sct^ whether he be sailing or
pitching down sharply at the time; and further that the wings
invariably move rapidly and continuously in a whirring manner
during the intermittent periods of twittering.
This morning Mr. Faxon found the bird already peeping at
4.15. He watched him through one peeping spell at a distance
of fifteen feet (measured) from behind a small leafless bush.
BIRDS OF SOUTH-CENTRAL MONTANA.
BY CHAS. W. RICHMOND AND F. H. KNOWLTON.
The observations recorded in this paper were confined almost
entirely to Gallatin County, with short visits into the western
part of Park County nortli of the Yellowstone National Park,
and into the eastern portions of Madison and Jefferson Counties.
The area embraced is about 75 miles in north and south direc-
tion, and 30 miles in east and west, or approximately 2500
square miles. It lies along the eastern flank of the Rocky
Mountains, in the south-central portion of this great State. It
is very much diversified, including the broad, fertile Gallatin
Valley on the north with an altitude of only 4600 feet, the long,
narrow Madison Valley on the west, the elevation of which is
about 5000 feet, and the Gallatin and Madison ranges of
mountains in the southern portion, with a general elevation of
from 6000 to 9000 feet, with many peaks rising above 10,000
feet, and a few to over 11,000 feet. In the extreme northern
portion of the area under discussion the three rivers—Gallatin,
Madison and Jefferson—unite to form the headwaters of the
Missouri. These streams all rise in the mountains far to tlie
south antl southwest, and hence flow approximately north. In
their courses through the mountains they have in many places
"sql 1 Rkhmoxi) and Kxowi.ton oil Moii/diKi lUrda. 200
cut for themselves deep canons, producing scenery of the
wildest and grandest kind.
Bozeman (altitude 4754 feet), a town pleasantly situated on
the eastern side of the Gallatin Valley, and on the East Gallatin
River, was made the headquarters. Some collecting was done
in this vicinity, especially near Fort Ellis, and, farther south, in
and about Rocky Canon and Bridger Canon. During the
latter part of July an excursion was made to Mystic Lake, a
small body of crystal water at an elevation of about 7S00 feet, in
the Gallatin Range 20 miles southeast of Bozeman. Thence it
was continued over the divide into the Yellowstone Valley as
far as Coalpit Creek and returning bv way of Traill Creek
(altitude 7000 feet) and Bear Creek. A number of species
were found breeding at that time, as well as young birds
observed.
Another excursion, extending from August i to October 3,
was made up the Gallatin, with stops at Bear Creek (5800 feet),
Spanish Creek (5400 feet), Squaw Creek (5600 feet), Gallatin
Caiion (the stream is about 6000 feet with abrupt walls and
receding ridges rising to 7000 and 8000 feet), West Fork of the
Gallatin (6500-9000 feet) , Lower Basin (6000-8000 feet)
,
Middle Basin (7000-9000 feet), Taylor's Fork, also called
Dodge Creek (7000-9500 feet), and Big Horn Peak (10,000
feet)
.
Still another excursion, extending from August 5 to
September 37, started from Bozeman, with stops at Reese
Creek (5400 feet) in the northern portion of the Gallatin Valley,
East Gallatin River near Hillsdale (4600 feet), Pass Creek near
Flathead Pass in the Bridger Range (about 5000 feet), head of
Dry Creek at north end of Bridger Range (5500 feet), Gallatin
Station (4000 feet), Jefferson River near Three Forks (4000
feet), Madison River near Willow Creek (4600 feet), camp in
the valley between the Madison and Gallatin Rivers (4600-5500
feet), Fort Ellis, and Mystic Lake. The first two trips,
occupying the time from July to October 3, were made by
Mr. Knowlton in 1890; the third, from August 5 to about the
first of October, was made jointly in 1888.
From this hasty itinerary it appears that the area studied
extended in elevation from a little over 4000 feet to over 10,000
'JOO Richmond and Knowlton on JSIontaua Birds. q"^^
feet. In the northern and western portions Avhei'e the elevation
was lowest, the land is largely under cultivation. On rising
into the foothills thickets of quaking aspen (^Populns trenui-
loides) are abundant, extending also into the open valleys as
high as 8000 feet. In the southern and eastern more mountain-
ous portion the prevailing forest tree is the black pine {Pitnis
?)iur7'aya?ia) ^ which reaches its greatest development on the
di-yer plateaus between 7000 and 8000 feet, although it is found
from the lower altitudes (5500 feet) up to 9500 feet. The
Douglas or red fir {Pse7idots7(ga douglassii) is found up to
9000 feet, generally scattered over the dryer grassy ridges and
slopes where it forms loose groves. Piniis Jiexilis is also
common on dry gravelly ridges from 6000 feet to about 8000
feet. Next to the black pine the balsam {Abies subalpina) is
most abundant and widest in distribution, being found through-
out in cool, moist situations, at low elevations on the northern
slopes, and especially common on wet subalpine slopes above
8000 feet. Little less abundant and occupying approximately
the same situations is the spruce {Picea e^igelmanni')
.
The observations recorded are far from exhaustive, for they
were made in the midst of other engrossing duties which
demanded first attention. They record simply what we were
able to note in the time at our disposal. We had hoped that our
observations might be supplemented by additional and more
detailed work, but as tiiere appears no prospect of this, we
present the notes in the hope that they may be of assistance to
future students of the bird life of this region.
Of the list of 1 1 1 species, specimens were obtained of 93 of
them, represented by nearly 700 specimens.
In addition to these we saw several large Owls {B/ibo?)^ not
satisfactorily identified ; some Hawks, and smaller birds, names
not determined, and which are therefore not given a place in
the list.
The following species mentioned by Mr. Geo. Bird GrinnelP
were not met with by us :
—
1 War Department—Report of a Reconnaissance from Carroll, Montana Territory,
on the Upper Missouri, to the Yellowstone National Park, and return, made in the
Summer of 1875. By Wm. Ludlow. Washington, Government Printing Office, 1876.
Zoology by Geo. Bird Grinnell. Birds, pp. 72-92.
iSo4^n Richmond and Knowlton 07i Motitana Birds. ^OI
Tachycineta thalassina. Violet-green Swallow.—"Very numerous
about Fort Ellis."
Spizella monticola ochracea. Tree Sparrow.—"Tiiree or four
seen in Bridger Mountains early in September."
Totanus flavipes. Yellow-legs.—"A few seen near Fort Ellis."
Tringa minutilla. Least Sandpiper.—"Only observed near Fort
Ellis, where it was abundant early in September."
Tringa bairdii. Baird's Sandpiper.—"Flocks of 50 or 60 noticed at
Fort Ellis and Gardiner's Springs."
Gallinago delicata. Wilson's Snipe.—"One seen near Fort Ellis."
From Dr. Merriam's report^ we quote :
—
Gallinago delicata.—"Shot at Fort Ellis July 9, 1S72."
Surnia ulula caparoch.—"Shot on Madison River, Montana, August 11,
1S72."
This last was, however, taken beyond the limits of the present
paper.
Attention shotild also be called to the notes on Montana birds
by Mr. Robert S. Williams in former numbers of 'The Auk',^
and to those of Capt. P. M. Thorne.^ These papers refer to
localities somewhat beyond the limits set in the present paper,
but ma}' be consulted with profit by the student of the birds of
this region.
In conclusion we desire to acknowledge the greatest assistance
from Dr. A. C. Peale, then of the U. S. Geological Survey, by
whose kindness the observations here presented were made
possible.
1. Larus californicus. Western Gull.—One was seen on the Jeffer-
son River, about September 15.
2. Merganser serrator. Red-breasted Merganser.—Noted several
times during August and September in flocks of from four to twenty.
3. Anas boschas. Mallard.—Very common.
4. Anas carolinensis. Green-winged Teal.—F^requently seen in
small numbers on the tributaries of the rivers.
• Sixth Annual Report of the United States Geological Survey of the Territories,
for 1872. Washington, Government Printing Office, 1873. Reports on Mammals and
Birds by C. Hart Merriam. Birds, pp. 670-715.
2 The Auk, III, 1886, p. 274; V, 1888, pp. 14-18; VII, 1890, pp. 292, 293, etc.
'Ibid., VI, 1889, p. 336.
302 Richmond and Knowlton on Montana Bh-ds. foct
5. Branta canadensis. Canada Goose.—One small flock of six seen
on the Madison River late in September. During our stay in the vicinity,
this flock was noticed each morning as it passed by to some feeding
grounds up the river, and again on its return at night.
6. Botaurus lentiginosus. American Bittern.—Several seen.
7. Ardea herodias. Great Blue Heron.—Rather common.
8. Porzana Carolina.'' Sora.—A small Rail was seen in a marshy
tract on the East Gallatin, about the middle of August, that we refer with
little doubt to this species.
9. Phalaropus lobatus. Northern Phalarope.—Four specimens
were shot at a mountain pool, in September.
10. Totanusmelanoleucus. Greater Yellow-legs.—Rather common
in September. Several specimens obtained in this region appear to be
somewhat paler than eastern examples, accompanied by slight differences
in size.
11. Totanus solitarius cinnamomeus. Western Solitary Sand-
piper.—Found in September along the smaller streams, usually in pairs.
13. Symphemia semipalmata inornata. Western Willet.—One
pair observed, near Moreland, August 19, along a shallow, pebbly
stream.
13. Actitis macularia. Spotted Sandpiper.—Qiiite common.
14. Numenius longirostris. Long-billed Curlew.—One individual
seen late in August, on the foothills north of the Gallatin Valley.
11;. .^gialitis vocifera. Killdeer.—Very common. We frequently
came upon them crouching close to the ground, as if to escape detection,
and on such occasions were almost in the midst of a flock of twenty or so
before aware of their presence.
16. Dendragapus obscurus. Dusky Grouse.—Very common in the
mountains and in well-wooded ravines in the foothills. A single speci-
men preserved is not quite typical.
17. Bonasa umbellus, subsp.—A Rufted Grouse was shot on Taylor's
Fork, but not preserved.
18. Pediocsetes phasianellus campestris.? Prairie Sharp-tailed
Grouse.—Y&ry common in the valleys. A head and wing saved for
identification are doubtfully referred to this subspecies.
19. Centrocercus urophasianus. Sage Grouse —Abundant through-
out the valleys, in the patches of sage brush {Artemisia').
20. Zenaidura macroura. Mourning Dove —Very common. An
unfledged young bird was found on a hillside August 31.
21. Cathartes aura. Turkey Vulture.—Common.
32. Circus hudsonius. Marsh Hawk.—Common.
23. Accipiter atricapillus. American Goshawk.—Three seen, one of
which was shot but not preserved.
24. Accipiter velox. Sharp-shinned Hawk.—One specimen secured.
25. Buteo borealis calurus. Western Red-tail.—Quite common.
26. Buteo swainsoni. Swainson's Hawk.—About as numerous as the
preceding.
/ol. XI"|
1S94 J
Richmond and Knowltox oh Montana Birds. ^^^
27. Aquila chrysaetos. Golden Eagle.—Qj^iite common. Parties of
three or four, apparently old birds with their offspring, were often seen
circling about high overhead.
28. Falco richardsonii. Richardson's Merlin.—One shot September
23, on the Madison River, was the only one identified. Its stomach
contained the remains of a Lincoln's Sparrow.
29. Falco sparverius. Sparrow Hawk.—Abundant. Its food here is
mainh' grasshoppers.
30. Pandion haliaetus carolinensis. American Osprey.—Rather
common.
31. Asio wilsonianus. American Long-eared Owl.—Frequently
noted along the Jefferson River in heavy thickets. A specimen shot here
was found to have a long, slender, thread-like worm under its tongue,
similar to those found infesting the fish of the Jefferson River. The
presence of one of these parasites in the Owl would indicate an occasional
fish diet for that bird.
32. Ceryle alcyon. Belted Kingfisher.—Very common along all the
streams. Several were noted at Mystic Lake. At our camp on the
Jefferson River we found the fish infested with long, slender white worms,
which were coiled up in the flesh on the sides of the back. A Kingfisher
shot at this camp was also found to be infested with these worms, seven
of which (some of them nearly a foot in length) were found among (not
hi) its intestines.
33. Dryobates villosus hyloscopus. Cabanis's Woodpecker.—One
specimen secured.
34. Dryobates pubescens oreoecus. Mountain Downy Wood-
pecker.—Two specimens taken.
35. Picoides arcticus. Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker.—Rare ;
one taken in the Gallatin Basin, August 29.
36. Picoides americanus dorsalis. Alpine Three-toed Wood-
pecker.—Two specimens secured on the Gallatin River, August 2\,
altitude about 7200 feet.
37. Sphyrapicus varius nuchalis. Red-naped Sapsucker.—Several
collected from July to September. Breeds.
38. Sphyrapicus thyroideus. Williamson's Sapsucker.—Rather
uncommon at Traill Creek and Gallatin Basin, whei^e three immature
birds, evidently raised in the vicinity, were secured August 28-Sep-
tember 3.
39. Melanerpes torquatus. Lewis's Woodpecker.—Common in the
mountains and foothills, in tracts of dead timber.
40. Colaptes cafer. Red-shafted Flicker.—Common. Regardless
of its color it is known to some of the residents as "Yellowhammer."
41. Chordeiles virginianus henryi. Western Nighthawk.—Very
common. These birds were often seen on foraging expeditions during
midday, in flocks of twenty or more. Most abundant in the valleys.
304 Richmond and Knowlton on Monia?ia Birds. T Oct
42. Stellula calliope. Calliope Hummingbird.—Two individuals
were noted, one of which, an immature bird, was obtained August 12, at
Bear Creek.
43. Tyrannus tyrannus. Kingbird.—Common.
44. Sayornis saya. Say's Phcebe,—Two specimens secured, and these
were the only ones seen.
45. Contopus borealis. Olive-sided Flycatcher.—One shot on
Traill Creek, July 28.
46. Contopus richardsonii. Western Wood Pewee.—Taken on
Spanish Creek about the middle of August.
47. Empidonax minimus. Least Flycatcher.—One specimen
secured on Bear Creek, August 13; this is an adult female, and is clearly
referable to the above species.
48. Empidonax hammondi. Hammond's Flycatcher.—Three
immature birds were secured on Squaw Creek, August 19-20.
49. Empidonax wrightii. Wright's Flycatcher.—Qj.iite common ;
found usually in wooded ravines in the foothills. Fully fledged young
birds were found throughout the month of August.
50. Otocoris alpestris arenicola. Desert Horned Lark.—Very
abundant everywhere in the valleys and on the foothills. Many j^oung
in the nestling plumage were found during August. The old birds at this
time were in worn and faded plumage, and moulting. About September
20 large numbers of Horned Larks began to arrive from the north, and we
noted hundreds of them daily. Over sixty specimens were preserved,
and all of them are referable to the subspecies arenicola, although a few,
obtained from the ranks of the migratory flocks arriving late in Sep-
tember, approach O. a. tnerrilli \n the possession of a yellowish edging
to the black crescent on the breast. The subspecies leucolcBina had
apparently not arrived by the first of October, at which time our obser-
vations ceased, but we have received numbers of this form from the
vicinity of Bozeman in midwinter.
51. Pica pica hudsonica. American Magpie.—Very abundant, but
shy. Most numerous in the valleys, but noted also in the mountains.
Several seen at Mystic Lake.
52. Cyanocitta stelleri annectens. Black-headed Jay.—Only occa-
sionally seen in the mountains. Three were seen near the upper end of
Gallatin Basin, at an altitude of about 9000 feet. Adults and voung
secured.
53. Perisoreus canadensis capitalis. Rocky Mountain Jay.—Very
common in the mountains from the lowest limit of the coniferous forests
up to at least 9000 feet, above which altitude we did not have occasion to
go. These birds were known locally by a varietj' of names, such as
Meatbird, Meathawk, Campbird, Camprobber, and by others who had
known the bird in Colorado, they were called Baldhead, Tallowhead and
Wliitehead. Immature birds with traces of the dark first plumage were
found at Mystic Lake July 27.
iS 1 Richmond and Knovvltox oh Montana Birds. S^^^
54. Corvus americanus. American Crow.— Abundant and very tame.
There was a Crow roost in the mountains, about five miles south of Fort
Ellis, and fully five hundred Crows passed over our camp morning and
evening to and from this roost. During the day they were scattered over
the Gallatin Valley. They appeared to be rather less noisy than eastern
Crows and so unusually tame that one could approach them at any time
within easy gun range, without resort to strategy.
55. Nucifraga columbiana. Clarke's Nutcracker.—Common in
the mountains, and occasionally found on some of the higher foothills,
where we saw them at an elevation of about 6000 feet. At Mystic Lake
we saw one of these birds soaring in circles, like a hawk, with its white
tail fully spread. One shot on Traill Creek was found to have eighty-two
pinon seeds in its gullet.
56. Dolichonyx oryzivorus. Bobolink.—Very common at one place
in the northern part of Gallatin Valley, where, about the middle of
August, we found a large number in a rank growth of wild sunflowers
{Heliariikits). This was in close proximity to, and in fact to some extent
adjoining, a considerable tract of nearly ripe oats. Although the birds
were swarming in the former, we found only a few stray birds in the
latter field.
57. Molothrus ater. Cowbird.—An immature individual shot about
the middle of August was the only one observed.
58. Sturnella magna neglecta. Western Meadowlark.—Abundant.
59. Icterus buUocki. Bullock's Oriole.—No birds of this species
were seen, but a nest no doubt belonging to this Oriole was found in
some willows on the East Gallatin.
60. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus. Brewer's Blackbird.—Very
abundant, especially in the fall, when these birds were seen in flocks of
thousands. During August we met with them usually in small numbers
about the ranches and cowpens, and occasionally scattered along the
roadside, resting in the shadows of the fenceposts from the heat of
middaj'.
61. Pinicola enucleator. Pine Grosbeak.—Occasionally observed.
One was shot at Mystic Lake in the latter part of September, and another
in July on Traill Ci'eek, where it breeds.
62. Loxia curvirostra minor. American Red Crossbill.—About a
dozen seen in Gallatin Basin in September.
63. Spinas tristis. American Goldfinch.—Common.
64. Spinus pinus. Pine Siskin.—Rather common on the foothills,
where it breeds. A fully fledged young bird was shot late in August.
65. Poocaetes gramineus confinis. Western Vesper Sparrow.—
Very common, especially in the fall.
66. Ammodramus sandwichensis alaudinus. Western Savanna
Sparrow.—Abundant. First noted about the last of August.
67. Ammodramus savannarum perpallidus. Western Grasshopper
Sparrow.—One bird, presumably this form, was seen in the Gallatin
Valley.
3?
306 Richmond and Knowlton on Montana Birds. f Oct
68. Chondestes grammacus strigatus. Western Lark Sparrow.—
A few seen during August, when two immature birds were obtained.
69. Zonotrichia leucophrys intermedia. Intermediate Sparrow.—
Very common in tlie vailejs after the first of September. Breeds in the
mountains, where it was noted on Traill Creek in July.
70. Spizella socialis arizonse. Western Chipping Sparrow.—
Common.
71. Spizella breweri. Brewer's Sparrow.—Commonly found in
rocky ravines among the foothills, in stubby pines and brush.
72. Junco hyemalis shufeldti. Shufeldt's Junco.—Three specimens
of this form were taken at Taylor's Fort (alt. 7500 feet), September 7
and 8.
73. Junco annectens. Pink-sided Junco.—Commonly found in the
valleys after the first of September. It was more abundant in the
mountains, where it breeds. Young birds were taken at Mystic Lake
late in July.
74. Melospiza fasciata montana. Mountain Song Sparrow.—Verj^
common.
75. Melospiza lincolni. Lincoln's SpARRow.—Rather common.
Noted in the valleys, where several specimens were secured in the early
part of September. A Falco richardsonii shot September 23 had the
remains of one in its stomach. It breeds in the mountains, wliere, at
Traill Creek, a young bird was secured July 29.
76. Pipilo maculatus arcticus. Arctic Towhee.—Qiiite common in
ravines leading into tiie foothills. Young birds noted in August.
77. Pipilo chlorurus. Green-tailed Towhee.—Uncommon, in
situations similar to that of the j)receding.
78. Habia melanocephala. Black-headed Grosbeak.—Several
noted, including young biids hatched in the vicinity.
79. Passerina amcena. Lazuli Bunting.—Quite common in the
valleys and foothills; breeds.
80. Piranga ludoviciana. Louisiana Tanager.—A few seen in
September at the lower elevations. Noted common and breeding at
Mystic Lake late in July.
81. Petrochelidon lunifrons. Cliff Swallow.—Qiiite common.
82. Chelidon erythrogastra. Barn Swallow.—Abundant. We
found them gathered in long strings on the telegraph wires early in
September.
83. Tachycineta bicolor. Tree Swallow.—Common. A colony
noted about the middle of August in a clump of cottonwoods, where the
old birds were still feeding young.
84. Clivicola riparia. Bank Swallow.—Common; young birds barely
able to fly were observed after the middle of August, and some of the
nests were apparently still occupied. It may be interesting to note in
this connection that in the neighborhood of Washington, D. C, at this
date, the resident Bank Swallows have long since finished nesting and
°g " n Richmond and Knowlton ou Montana Birds. ^O?
left the vicinity of their breeding grounds to gather in larger squads on
the marshes of the Potomac, and many of them have, even by the middle
of July, begun to migrate down the river. Migratory birds are, however,
noted in the vicinity of Washington through most of September.
85. Ampelis cedrorum. Ckdar Waxwing.—Common.
86. Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides. White-rumped Shrike.—
Common in the valleys. A single Shrike was also noted in the moun-
tains in September. It was very likely L. borealis.
87. Vireo gilvus. Warbling Vireo.—Common in the willows and
cottonwoods along streams in the valleys.
88. Helminthophila celata. Orange-crowned Warbler,—Two
specimens were secured at low elevations September 2 and 15.
89. Dendroica aestiva. Yellow Warbler.—Common.
90. Dendroica auduboni. Audubon's Warbler.—Very common
during September botii in the mountains and in the valleys. Breeds in
the mountains; numbers were observed at Mystic Lake late in July.
91. Geothlypis macgillivrayi. Macgili.ivray's Warbler.—Common
;
breeds.
92. Geothlypis trichas occidentalis. Western Yellow-throat.—
Very common.
93. Sylvania pusilla pileolata. Pileolated Warbler.—Very
common from the middle of August until late in September, in the
valleys.
94. Setophaga ruticilla. American Redstart.—Common in the
valleys.
95. Anthus pensilvanicus. American Pipit.—Very common in the
fall. This species made its appearance toward the end of September,
mingling freely with the Horned Larks, which were arriving in large
numbers at that time.
96. Cinclus mexicanus. American Dipper.—Generally distributed in
the mountain region.
97. Oroscoptes montanus. Sage Thrasher.—One immature bird
secured, and another seen at low elevations.
98. Galeoscoptes carolinensis. Catbird.—Common in the valleys.
99. Salpinctes obsoletus. Rock Wren.—Qiiite abundant. Young
birds were plentiful during August.
100. Troglodytes aedon aztecus. Western House Wren.—Common.
A nest found in a dead stump in a cottonwood thicket August 13,
contained four half-fledged young.
loi. Certhia familiaris montana. Rocky Mountain Creeper.—
A
specimen shot September 23, in Jefferson Valley, was the only one seen.
102. Sitta carolinensis aculeata. Slender-billed Nuthatch.—
Uncommon ; but found breeding at several places in the mountains.
103. Sitta canadensis. Red-breasted Nuthatch.—Two specimens
obtained at low elevations in September. These specimens, and others
from the Mississippi Valley westward, are somewhat brighter on the under-
3o8 Richmond and Knowlton on Montana Birds. Loct
parts than average eastern birds. There appears to be no difference in
size.
104. Parus atricapillus septentrionalis. Long-tailed Chickadee.—
Very abundant along the streams in the valleys, travelling about in
small troops in the cottonwoods and willows.
105. Parus gambeli. Mountain Chickadee.—Common in the
mountains, and extending down on the foothills as far as coniferous trees
occur. The hoarse, drawling note of this bird is easily distinguished
from the energetic one of the preceding species. After the middle of
September we found them sparingly in the valleys, associating with
flocks of the Long-tailed species.
106. Regulus satrapa olivacea. Western Golden-crowned
Kinglet.—Breeds in the mountains. An immature bird just leaving the
nestling plumage was secured August 28. The species was quite common
in the vicinity of Mystic Lake about the last of September, but no
individuals were seen at any time in the valleys.
107. Regulus calendula. Ruby-crowned Kinglet.—Common
during September in the valleys. It was not noted in the mountains.
108. Turdus ustulatus swainsonii. Olivb-backed Thrush.—Several
specimens collected are referable to this form. Young birds in first
plumage were secured July 27, at Mystic Lake, and August 27, at the
north end of Gallatin Valley.
109. Turdus aonalaschkae auduboni. Audubon's Hermit Thrush.—
Several obtained. A young bird in nestling plumage was secured July 27,
at Mystic Lake. An adult was taken September 11, at an elevation of
8500 feet.
no. Merula migratoria propinqua. Western Robin.—Common in
the valleys, and also noted in some numbers in the mountains.
in. Sialia arctica. Mountain Bluebird.—Common ; breeds. Found
migrating in small flocks during September.
Too late for insertion in its proper place in the list, we find
that an immature specimen of the Rough-winged Swallow
(^Stelgidopteryx serripennis) was collected by us near Hillsdale,
in Gallatin Valley, August 22, 1S88. The bird was doubtless
raised in the vicinity. This appears to be somewhat north of its
usual ransfe.