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A MANUAL OF BIRD STUDY
A MANUAL OF BIRD STUDY
A Description of Twenty-five Local Birds with Study Outlines WILLIAM H. CARR Assistant Curator, Department of Education School Service Series—Number One Third Edition, March, 1934 Department of Education American Museum of Natural History 77th Street and Central Park West New York City...
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CIRCULATING NATURE COLLECTIONS OF BIRDS IN THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
CIRCULATING NATURE COLLECTIONS OF BIRDS IN THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
This Bird Study Manual is intended especially for the use of teachers and pupils in the New York City Schools. It is written primarily to describe the birds contained in the circulating nature study collections which the American Museum of Natural History loans to public schools. However it may be used as a general guide to bird study as well. The various study outlines tell the story of different projects that may be developed in connection with birds. Typical birds are illustrated. As much as
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SUGGESTIONS FOR TEACHERS
SUGGESTIONS FOR TEACHERS
It is sometimes helpful to study birds by the “Question and Answer” method. The following questions are written to suggest others of a similar nature. What is a Bird? A bird is an animal that has feathers. No other animal has feathers. A “CITY” OF STRANGE BIRDS Some of the brightest spots in childhood are connected with a vague realization of the beauty and mystery of the world. THE ORDER POSTCARD Requisitioning the service has been simplified to the nth degree. All that a principal needs to do
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SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS AND PUPILS ADDITIONAL STUDY TOPICS
SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS AND PUPILS ADDITIONAL STUDY TOPICS
Birds are to be found in almost “every corner of the earth.” Their study has a world wide interest and appeal. The following list is intended to serve as an aid in bringing to mind subjects that may be developed out-of-doors, or studied in the class room. Vision of Birds: The keen power of sight of Hawks and Eagles; the Owl’s eye at night. Variation in Structure of Bill: Adaptations of the sharp pointed, curved beak of the flesh-eating Hawks; the small, pointed bill of the insect-eating Warbler.
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OUTLINE FOR BIRD STUDY (Suggestions to Teachers and Pupils)
OUTLINE FOR BIRD STUDY (Suggestions to Teachers and Pupils)
In observing birds out-of-doors or in the class room, with an idea of studying or identifying them, there are certain definite things to know and to remember. The following outline makes some suggestions of what to look for when a bird is seen for the first time, or when you are studying a mounted specimen or colored picture. Movements: See whether the flyer hops or walks when it is on the ground. Does it hang upside down, move slowly or quickly, swim or creep? Remember that the same bird may ha
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THE BLUEBIRD
THE BLUEBIRD
In this locality some of the Bluebirds are with us all the year through. However, they are not so often seen in winter as in warmer summer months. The Starlings and the English Sparrows have driven them from many former nesting sites. Food: The Bluebird eats many insects, including beetles, grasshoppers and different kinds of caterpillars. He also often feeds upon such fruits as cedar berries, wild cherries and those of other wild plants. Bill: The bill of this bird is much like that of the Robi
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THE PHOEBE
THE PHOEBE
Toward the end of March, the peaceful, confiding Phoebe ventures northward. Sometimes ice and snow greet the little bird, but on he goes to take the weather as it comes. The return journey to the far south does not begin until the first frosty nights of September tell the story of approaching winter. Food: At the time of the Phoebe’s arrival, some of the first flying insects are trying their wings. As the Phoebe is a flycatcher, he may be seen, darting and wheeling about, in pursuit of his food.
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THE BARN SWALLOW
THE BARN SWALLOW
The Barn Swallows arrive in the North toward the end of April and leave early in September. They are sociable birds and travel in huge flocks. Food: Insects, caught upon the wing, form the diet of those Swallows. They dart here and there, over field and water, catching their prey in swift, graceful flight. Feet: Often, in the season of migration, thousands of Swallows perch upon telephone wires, sometimes in such large numbers that the wires are broken. Their small feet are well suited for this,
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THE HOUSE WREN
THE HOUSE WREN
Some day, late in April, the House Wren will appear to add to the growing bird population. Not until the middle of August or the end of September will he depart. He is the most common of our Wrens. Food: Ninety-eight percent of the food of this small bird is made up of insects. Actions: These little birds are very restless. They seem never to be still. From dawn to dark they are bobbing, hopping, and bowing about with tireless energy. The stiff tail, constantly jerked, is usually in an upright p
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THE CHIMNEY SWIFT
THE CHIMNEY SWIFT
The Chimney Swift, which is in no way related to the Swallows, is seen in the North toward the end of April or early in May. From the last weeks of August until late in September, southward bound flocks may be seen, and then the bird has left us until Spring comes again. Food: The Swifts feed entirely while flying. They eat small flying insects of many kinds, catching them chiefly in the early morning and late afternoon. Feet: Seldom does the Swift alight upon any flat-topped object. Its charact
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THE CHICKADEE
THE CHICKADEE
The friendly, sometimes inquisitive Chickadees, are with us all through the year. Ever active, they fly here and there searching for food, and giving their cheerful calls. Bill: The tweezer-like bill of this little bird is very well adapted to the catching and eating of small insects and their eggs. Habits: The Chickadees are never strangers to one who walks within sight or hearing of them. They fly very near and have even been known to perch upon the hand of different bird watchers who have suf
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THE WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
THE WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
The Nuthatch is one of the tree trunk birds that, in the wintertime, is a close friend of the Chickadees and the Downy Woodpeckers. He is with us all the year around. Some people have called him the “Upside down bird” due to the fact that he is able to run up and down the trunks of trees in almost every conceivable position. Food: The food of the Nuthatch consists of the small insects that live under and upon the bark of trees. The small, sharp pointed beak is well adapted to pry off sections of
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THE SONG SPARROW
THE SONG SPARROW
The Song Sparrow is a member of a very large family. His near relations are found in many regions of the earth. In winter, fall and spring, he is with us to represent his kind, and a fine representative he is, with his good spirits and ever-ready song. Field Marks: The red-brown line behind the Song Sparrow’s eye, combined with the tiny splash of black and brown which streaks his breast are two marks by which the bird may be identified. The larger blotch of color upon the breast is in the center
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SCREECH OWL
SCREECH OWL
This little permanent resident is quite common in the outlying sections of the cities. He seems to care for the society of man. Very often, he is to be found near human dwellings rather than far out in the woods. Just why we should call this bird the “Screech Owl” is somewhat of a mystery. The Owl has a tremulous, quavering voice that in no way suggests a “screech.” Perhaps it is that the name has come to us from Europe. At any event, it is not appropriate to our small Owl. Food: Sometimes in wa
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The Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
The Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
The male bird may be identified by the partly concealed tiny crest of red which the bird often raises....
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The Golden-Crowned Kinglet
The Golden-Crowned Kinglet
A crest of gold marks this cousin of the Ruby-crowned. Often no color is visible upon the head except the uniform olive or greenish tinge. However, when the bird is excited, the crest is raised and it is then that the color of the crown may be very well seen. Habits: The Kinglets are friendly birds that often come very near. They seem to be much more tame than the warblers. Food: A constant search for tiny insects occupies the time of the Kinglets. Song: The Ruby-crown is the superior singer of
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ROBIN
ROBIN
Our native Robin is not closely related to the bird that the English call “Robin Redbreast.” He is rather a relative of the Bluebird and the Thrush. Before the young of the Robin leave the nest, their breasts are speckled as are the breasts of the Thrushes. After the first moult, this marking disappears. Some of the Robins are with us all through the year. However, only the hardiest of them stay during the Winter. The majority travel to the warmer climates. Those who come to us from the South ar
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THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
Early in March, the male Redwing arrives. It is not until two or three weeks later that the female comes from the south to join his company and to sail about over the cat-tails of the marsh. When August has gone by, the adult Blackbirds are seldom seen. It is in July that the young and old birds congregate in large flocks to prepare themselves for the journey southward. Red-winged Blackbirds from farther north may be seen as late as October. Markings: The male Red-winged Blackbird is of a faultl
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BALTIMORE ORIOLE
BALTIMORE ORIOLE
“How comes it, Oriole, thou hast come to fly In tropic splendor through our northern sky?” Edgar Fawcett asks this question in his poem. Who is there that may answer him? The Baltimore Oriole comes to us in early May and stays until about the first of September. This bird, sometimes called the Golden Robin, is a namesake of George Calvert, or Lord Baltimore, who was the first proprietor of Maryland. Indeed, he does seem “golden” as he flashes about among green leaves. However, he is a relation o
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CHIPPING SPARROW
CHIPPING SPARROW
The sociable personality of the Chipping Sparrow enables the bird student to make his close acquaintance. He is a little bird of modest habits, who shows his trust in the human race by living very near to the homes of man. In early April “Chippy” arrives. He leaves for the South about the first of November. Song: “ Chippy—Chippy—Chippy ” is all this small Sparrow has to say. Certainly, this is not an especially attractive song, and yet it is very much in keeping with the unassuming disposition o
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THE MEADOWLARK
THE MEADOWLARK
This bird of the fields may be seen during every month of the year. After walking among the grasses, it may suddenly fly up and may be identified by the conspicuous white outer tail feathers which flash in the sunlight. Field Marks: The black crescent upon the yellow breast of the Meadowlark is a fine field mark. In the early morning, when a rising sun shines upon the open meadows, this bright yellow patch seems to be, in itself, a reflected spot of golden light. In winter, a brownish tone, more
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THE BLUE JAY
THE BLUE JAY
The Blue Jay is closely related to the Crow. He shows this relationship in a number of ways. He is very intelligent, has a keen sense of humor and is an observer of birds and men. All the year long he makes himself known to us by his striking plumage, loud voice, and active body. During the nesting season, however, he is comparatively quiet and we see little of him. Food: During eight or nine months of the year the Blue Jay earns an honest living. He eats many harmful insects, frogs, snails, and
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DOWNY WOODPECKER
DOWNY WOODPECKER
This little member of the Woodpecker family is a permanent resident with us. All the year through he is to be seen busily engaged in his life work, which is a constant search for food. The Downy Woodpecker may be distinguished from the Hairy Woodpecker mainly by its smaller size and by its outer tail feathers which are barred with black. Food: The food of nearly all Woodpeckers consists of insect material that is found on or within the bark of trees. Thus when the Downy Woodpecker is searching f
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THE STARLING
THE STARLING
Like the English Sparrow, the Common Starling has become a Naturalized American Citizen. He was introduced from Europe in 1890, when sixty of his kind were released in Central Park, New York City. He is a very permanent resident wherever he has spread, and, because of the fact that he often ousts local or native birds, he is somewhat objectionable. Song: The song of the Starling has many attractive notes. The whistles are especially appreciated by city dwellers who seldom hear the songs of more
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JUNCO
JUNCO
The slate-colored Junco comes down from the North to spend the winter in a more moderate climate. He may be first seen toward the last of September. The departure for the North is made about the first of May. They are certainly welcome visitors, coming as they do when most of our smaller birds have gone on further South. In small flocks, these plump little birds hop and fly, here and there, over the snow, searching for weed seeds and other food. Song: The notes that are more frequently heard are
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THE ENGLISH SPARROW
THE ENGLISH SPARROW
The English Sparrow is most often referred to as a pest. It is a permanent resident in more senses than one. It was in 1851 and 1852 at Brooklyn, New York, that the small bird was first introduced. During the first 20 years or so it was mostly confined to the larger cities in the east. However, due to the bird’s rapid increase it has spread throughout every State in the Union and has proved itself to be truly a great nuisance. Native birds have been driven from their homes and have been robbed o
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SCARLET TANAGER
SCARLET TANAGER
The Tanagers do not winter north of the Mexican border. In the summer there are four species that occur in the United States, only two of which inhabit this section of the country. The Scarlet Tanager is one of the most common of these. He arrives early in May and departs early in October. These beautiful birds are not often seen unless we look up into the trees. The male bird, with his truly startling colors, is a sight to remember. The wings and tail are a jet black and the rest of the body is
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RED-EYED VIREO
RED-EYED VIREO
Except for the Catbird, the most talkative bird that we know is the Red-eyed Vireo. He is first to be seen in late April. When October has come, the Red-eye travels Southward. All through the warm days of spring and summer, this persistent little bird sings and sings. Mr. Wilson Flagg has called him “The Preacher Bird.” This title is indeed well earned for he seems to say, over and over—“You see me—I see you—do you hear me? Do you believe me?” Nest: The pendant nest of the Red-eyed Vireo hangs f
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THE GOLDFINCH
THE GOLDFINCH
One of the merriest of all the many birds is the Goldfinch, or “Wild Canary,” as he is sometimes called. When winter, with its biting cold and thick snow comes, we still find this cheerful little bird, visiting with its many friends, perhaps perched on some barren branch, twittering its gay little song to any who care to listen. It is during these months that we find he has changed his bright yellow coat for one of olive green. However, he still wears his little black cap as his head covering. S
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THE RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
THE RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
The only species of Hummingbird that we know in the Northeast is the Ruby-throat. This little whirring jewel comes to us from the South in very early May and departs by the first of October. It is interesting to learn that there are at least five hundred known species of Hummingbirds in the New World. They are found only in North and South America, the greatest numbers being in South America in Ecuador and Columbia, where Dr. Frank M. Chapman writes that they inhabit the Andean regions. Song: Th
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BIRDS’ NEST GAME
BIRDS’ NEST GAME
In order to appreciate what wonderful structures birds’ nests really are, it is sometimes helpful to try to build a nest. Equipment: Let each child gather several handfuls of dried grass, short dead twigs, strips of inner bark, leaves and similar nesting material. These may be brought to the classroom or else the game may be played in the open. Rules: The instructor should give a brief talk on different types of birds’ nests such as the Robins’ and Crows’. For this purpose, several real birds’ n
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THE MIGRATIONS OF LOCAL BIRDS
THE MIGRATIONS OF LOCAL BIRDS
Our local bird life may be divided roughly into two parts: the Permanent Residents and the Transients . As Mr. Ludlow Griscom has said “It is idle to look for Warblers in January or Ducks in July.” We must know which of our birds are with us all the year and which visit us for a short time. The following is a list that will help us to tell when to look for different birds at different seasons. A. Permanent Residents. In general, the birds that are present during the months of November, December,
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America: Frank M. Chapman. D. Appleton & Co., New York. This book is very complete and deals with various phases of bird life. It is a valuable handbook for teachers. Handbook of Birds of Western United States: Florence Merriam Bailey. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. Bird Life: Frank M. Chapman. D. Appleton & Co., New York. Popular edition with colored plates for teachers and children, alike. Birds of Village and Field: Florence Merriam Bailey. Ho
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AN EARLY MORNING WITH THE BIRDS
AN EARLY MORNING WITH THE BIRDS
“Wild birds change their season in the night. And wail their way from cloud to cloud Down the long wind.” One early October morning I lay on the hard-packed ground, longing for the sun to rise. I had slept here all night long that I might see the birds at dawn. Deceived by the warmth of the previous day, I had not brought enough blankets and was therefore exceedingly uncomfortable in the cold breeze. At the foot of the hill upon which stood my camp, there was a spring-fed pond. Dammed at one end
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