Observations on the Birds of Southwestern Texas (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1888 edition. Excerpt: ...Swainson. 139. Chordeilea virginianua (GMKL.). Nighthawk. Dresser notes' the occurrence of the Nighthawk at San Antonio, where, however, it was uncommon. 140. Chordeilea texensis Lawr. Texan Nighthawk. This bird was first noticed at San Antonio by Dresser on May 2, when he saw seven or eight flying about at noonday. A few days later they became very numerous. They remained in the vicinity until October 1 Family TROCHILIDJ. Humming Birds. Genus TEOCHILUS LlNXEUa 141. Trochilua colubris Linn. Ruby-throated Humming Bird. " During the winter I observed one or two near San Antonio on warm days. Early in April, on the weather becoming warmer, they were very common near Sail Antonio, and generally to be found about the large cottonwood trees. I knew of two nests in low willows overhanging the San Pedro" (Dresser.) The San Pedro is a small stream, the greater part of which flows through the town of San Antonio. Hancock saw the bird quite often at Corpus Christi. 142. Trochilus alexandrl Bourc. & Muls. Black-chinned Hummingbird. I first saw this Hummer at Leon Springs on March 12, when one specimen was observed, evidentlyjust arrived from the south. Within the next six days they became quite common, feeding on the brilliant red blossoms of a species of JEsculus, which grew luxuriantly in a dense grove a third of a mile from the post-office. The only other Texas record of the species is that of Brown, who procured a single specimen at Boerne on April 5. Order PASSERES. Perching Birds. Family TYKANNIDE. American Flycatchers. Genus MILVULUS Swainson. 143. Milvulua forficatua M-mi-.i. i. Scissortail. I saw one of these exquisite Flycatchers at San Antonio on March 21, and several more between that date and the day I left, March 29. "It arrives in the...