The Lamar register., 1901-07-03
MANY VARIETIES OF
BIRDS in COLORADO

birds. He has gotten bad reputation
in larger cities, especially Denver, for
destroying the buds on the ornamental
shrubs.
In sharp contrast with this robber
is the whisky Jack or camp bird,
most familiar resident of the mining
camps. His friendly manners have
made him great friend to the lonely
miners shut up in their winter camps.
A very conspicuous bird in the south
western portion of the state is the
American raven. His sepulchrnl np'
pearance and harsh voice, however, Is
not calculated to render him popular
fnvorite.
The American crow is only common
is northwestern Colorado.
The distant relatives of the crows
grouped together under the head OF
black birds (the red wings, the yellow
headed black bird and the COW Diru)
are exceedingly common In the
swamps. Their migratlons In large
flocks are one of the most prominent
Indications of the beginning and close
of the summer. In some cases where
food Is abundant considerable mum
bcrs will remain throughout the
winter.
The song of the western meadow
lark Is the most noticeable of the sum
mer residents of the plains. This bird'
although so closely resembling the
meadow lark of the eastern states hs
to be regarded as an Identical species
for many years, possesses II radically
different song. The brilliant yellow OF
the plumage of its brenst Is III marked
contrast with the browns ana grays OF
its upper surface. which enables MN
to SO easily conceal himself In the dry
heritage of the plains.
We will often hear the song or
bird in the cottonwood trees that we
are unable to identify. Finally one de-
tects a brilliant plumaged birdmthe
golden black of n bullock's oriole. This
| bird does not visit us until the leaves
are out on the cOttonwOods. lie pru'
IDENTIFY conceals himself so that days
may clapse without sight OF the
| songster who Is constantly serehhuihs
MS nj morning and evening. His hang
ing nest is SO strongly built ns to deiy
the winters gales. and is perhaps inc
most common of the nests which we
see after the leaves have fallen.
The tinches are in Colorado in great
numbers. The most conspicuous Is
the dear little house finch. the most
common bird of Denver. The habits
of this bird are in some respects IKE
tthose of the eastern sparrow, but It's
cheerful song Is happy relief from
the Irritating squawk of the eastern
| invaders.
Until recently Colorado has not been
bothered by the English sparrow. Not
| withstanding several attempts TO INTRO
4 duce these birds. they did not COM
mencc to increase until within the last
five wear. Now in several parts OF the
4 state. and particularly In Denver, uiey
are us numerous as In any eastern
town. A struggle for existence is in
progress between the house hncnes
and the English sparrows. Despite
the rapid increase of the spnrrows. the
song of the finch is still heard even on
the busiest business streets OF the
cities, and 1t may be questioned whetli-
er they have suffered from the attacks
of their pugnacious enemies.
The mountain ptarmigan Is one or
the most Interesting of the Colorado
birds. In the summer its plumnge is
like the brown and lichen-colored
rocks among which 1t feeds. with inc
approach of winter white feathers be-
gin to appear until with the coming
of the snow it is only distinguishable
by motion from the vast snow fields or
the range. ~
The little water ousel, sometimes
known as the humming bird of the
Sierras, Is n most interesting occupant
of our mountain canons. 1t feeds on
water insects and lives almost half
submerged life, often running for min
utes underneath the foaming waters
of our mountain cataracts.
one of the birds that Is practically
extinct in Colorado is the large, white
pelican of the gulf states.
Among the numerous water fowls
are several birds that are usually
found only along the sea shore. such
as the gulls, the double crested cor
morants and some terms. The herons
have several rockeries along the
streams of Colorado.
One of the rarest birds among the
game birds of the state is the Amer
lean woodcock
The wild turkey may still be found,
but doubtless will soon be eXterini-
mated. A bird that is now extinct In
Colorado, as in many of the northern
states, is the pretty little Carolina par
Oquet.
In Colorado ornithology one of the
most difficult feats Is to determine the
true species of the various kinds or
snow birds The common so-called
snow bird, so abundant In the city
streets after or during Il storm, Is not
| the true snow bird of the eastern
states, but should be properly called
n horned lark.
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