THE BIRDS OF NEBRASKA
AND ADJACENT PLAINS STATES
Paul A. Johnsgard

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Family Thraupidae Summer Tanager -- Piranga rubra An uncommon spring and fall migrant and summer resident in southeastern Nebraska (especially the Schramm Park area) north to Sarpy County, and occasionally seen farther west, rarely to as far as Scotts Bluff County. Breeding also occurs in eastern Kansas and eastern Oklahoma. Migration: Twenty-nine initial spring sightings range from April 25 to May 31, with a median of May 15. Half of the records fall within the period May 12-20. Two late fall sightings are for September 5 and 15. Habitats: Like the scarlet tanager this species favors mature deciduous forests , especially bottomland forests, in Nebraska, often nesting in tall oak trees. Elsewhere it nests in mixed and sometimes open coniferous forests, and in general it may favor slightly lower and more open woodlands than does the scarlet tanager. Comments: Perhaps the summer tanager is expanding its breeding range in southeastern Nebraska; Schramm Park is now apparently a nearly certain location for seeing these birds. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Scarlet Tanager -- Piranga olivacea An uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, becoming rare westwardly, and rarely occurring as far west as Keith, Garden, and Dawes counties. A summer resident in the Missouri's forested valley, westward in the Niobrara Valley to at least Cherry County, and west in the Platte Valley an uncertain distance. It is known to have bred as far west as Lincoln County. Breeding also occurs in the eastern Dakotas, Minnesota, and eastern parts of Kansas and Oklahoma. Migration: The range of 132 initial spring sightings is from April 5 to June 10, with a median of May 10. Half of the records fall within the period May 5-15. Twenty-three final fall records are from July 21 to October 3, with a median of August 23. Half of the records fall within the period August 5-September 16. Habitats: In Nebraska this species is restricted primarily to mature hardwood forests in river valleys, hill slopes, and valleys; less frequently it is found in city parks and mature orchards. Comments: Few Nebraska birds are more brilliantly plumaged than are male scarlet tanagers; they are as bright as male northern cardinals and their jet-black wings make them even more memorable. as well as separating them from summer tanagers. Western Tanager -- Piranga ludoviciana An uncommon spring and fall migrant in western Nebraska, and a summer resident in the Pine Ridge area, possibly extending east in the Niobrara Valley far enough to come into contact with the scarlet tanager (Nebraska Bird Review 29:19). Breeding also occurs in western South Dakota, and migrants are encountered east to western Kansas and western Oklahoma. Migration: Sixty-three initial spring sightings range from May 3 to June 8, with a median of May 19. Half of the records fall within the period May 13-24. Twenty-two final fall records are from August 14 to October 10, with a median of September 15. Half of the records fall within the period September 4-23. Habitats: In the Black Hills and Pine Ridge areas this species is mainly associated with pine forests, and secondarily with deciduous forests along rivers or in gulches and canyons. Comments: Although birders in western Nebraska may long to see scarlet and summer tanagers, the western tanager is a very satisfactory substitute for these. Its bright red head and golden yellow body with contrasting black wings, tail and back, makes for a visual treat.
Family Emberizidae Green-tailed Towhee -- Pipilo chlorura An uncommon but regular spring and fall migrant in western Nebraska, mostly in the Panhandle, but rarely recorded east to McPherson, Logan and Lancaster counties. Breeding is limited in the Great Plains region to sage-dominated areas of New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming, but migrants are regular from eastern Colorado to the Texas Panhandle. Migration: Nineteen initial spring sightings range from February 18 to May 31, with a median of May 10. Half of the records fall within the period May 3-20. Three final fall sightings are from September 6 to September 29. Habitats: Migrants are associated with thickets and dense shrubbery in rather arid environments, including sagebrush-covered plains. Comments: This is a rather dull-colored bird except for its bright brown crown, being mostly olive-green on the tail and upperparts, and grayish below. Eastern Towhee & Spotted Towhee -- Pipilo erythropthalmus & P. maculatus Collectively, common spring and fall migrants and summer residents in Nebraska . Local breeding by towhees occurs west to Colorado in the Platte and Republican valleys, and to Sioux County in the White River and Niobrara valleys. Breeding is very local in the Sandhills , but extends from the Colorado, Wyoming borders (mainly maculatus phenotypes) east in the Platte Valley, where the population is comprised of mainly erythropthalmus phenotypes in northeastern and southeastern Nebraska. Many of the summering birds along the Platte and North Platte rivers are apparent hybrids (Auk 76:326-338; Brown et al., 1996); the apparent hybrid zone is shown as the area between the two broken lines on the accompanying range map. Breeding by relatively typical erythropthalmus phenotypes occurs from Manitoba and northeastern North Dakota (Turtle Mountains) south to eastern Kansas and northeastern Oklahoma, Predominantly maculatus phenotypes breed from the Missouri Valley of the western and central Dakotas south to the Nebraska panhandle and central Niobrara Valley, northeastern Colorado and south into New Mexico. Migrants occur throughout the region. Migration: Sixty-nine initial spring sightings range from February 7 to May 30, with a median of April 22. Half of the records fall within the period April 10-30. Ninety-three final fall records are from July 24 to December 31, with a median of October 15. Half of the records fall within the period September 30-October 31. Nearly 20 percent of the records are for December, suggesting that overwintering is fairly frequent . Habitats: While in Nebraska these towhees occur in brushy fields, thickets, woodland edges or openings, second-growth forests, and city parks or suburbs with trees and tall shrubbery. Comments: It seems likely that the nomenclature committee of the American Ornithologists' Union will eventually have to reverse itself, and again merge these two "species" of towhees. The zone of hybridization (the area betweeen the broken lines on the range map) is especially wide in Nebraska; farther south in Kansas there is a geographic break between breeding habitats that make the situation there less confusing. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the "rufous-sided towhee" has undergone a significant population decline during that period. (Canyon Towhee) -- Pipilo fuscus Hypothetical . One individual was reported in Scotts Bluff County in September of 1975 (Nebraska Bird Review 44: 30). It is a permanent resident in northwestern Oklahoma, and is accidental (three records) in Kansas. The record is considered unacceptable by the NOU Records Committee (1997) Cassin's Sparrow -- Aimophila cassinii An extremely rare and irregular spring and fall migrant and summer resident in southwestern Nebraska. The species has been reported from a number of counties, but actual breeding records exist only for Perkins and Dundy counties (Nebraska Bird Review 42:56; 47:14). Singing males have been seen in Keith and Garden counties (Brown et al., 1996) , and probable breeding has occurred near Kilpatrick Lake, Box Butte County (Birding 26:416). The species is apparently irruptive, moving north to breed periodically, but normally is restricted to the southern and western portions of the Plains region (American Birds 31:133). There is one record for South Dakota, in the extreme southwest. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of more than 50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period. American Tree Sparrow -- Spizella arborea A common migrant and winter visitor statewide. It is widespread throughout the entire Plains Region during winter and on migration. Migration: The range of 127 initial fall sightings is from September 3 to December 31, with a median of October 21. Half of the records fall within the period October 12-November 2. Sixty-five final spring sightings range from January 24 to May 27, with a median of April 6. Half of the records fall within the period March 27-April 22. Habitats: During migration and winter periods this species is found in flocks among thickets, brushy areas, shrubby or weedy grasslands. Comments: Tree sparrows are attractive winter residents in Nebraska; these tiny birds seem to thrive under bitterly cold conditions so long as sufficient food is available and the snow cover is not too great. Chipping Sparrow -- Spizella passerina A common spring and fall migrant statewide, and a common summer resident in all parts of Nebraska except possibly for the Republican River Valley. It breeds widely in the Plains, from North Dakota south to Colorado and eastern Oklahoma, and winters throughout the remainder of the region. Migration: The range of 100 initial spring sightings is from January 14 to June 3, with a median of April 23. Half of the records fall within the period April 6-May 2. Ninety-nine final fall records range from July 23 to December 20, with a median of October 2. Half of the records fall within the period September 17-October 16. Habitats: While in Nebraska this species is associated with the margins of deciduous forests, parks, gardens, residential areas, farmsteads, orchards and other open areas with nearby or scattered trees and few or no shrubs. Comments: The sewing-machine-like trill of these birds is a certain sign of spring in Nebraska; they appear with the first warblers and the leafing-out of the trees. Courtship or rival chases among competing males are common then, and the birds lend an air of excitement and optimism to the days of early spring. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Clay-colored Sparrow -- Spizella pallida A common spring and fall migrant, and an apparently accidental summer resident in Nebraska, with a record from Hall County in 1973 as the only definite breeding report (Nebraska Bird Review 42:9). Probably the species nests locally in northern counties, since it regularly breeds in South Dakota. It also breeds in North Dakota and Minnesota, and appears throughout the rest of the region on migrations. Migration: The range of 124 initial spring sightings is from March 3 to May 29, with a median of May 3. Half of the records fall within the period April 28-May 8. Eighty-nine final spring sightings range from April 24 to June 1, with a median of May 16. Forty-one initial fall sightings are from July 23 to November 2, with a median of September 9. Half of the records fall within the period August 30-September 18. Thirty-nine final fall sightings are from August 27 to December 18, with a median of October 8. Habitats: Migrants occur in thickets and weed patches among grassland. Breeding birds move to similar habitats which provide a mixture of medium-stature grasses and scattered shrubs or low trees, or disturbed lands such as cutover or burned woodlands. Comments: Although rather plain-colored, the species strongly striped head and distinctive gray half-collar allows one to identify this species with ease. Its slow, buzzy songs is rather insect-like, and much lower-pitched than is the chipping sparrow's. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decrease during that period. Brewer's Sparrow -- Spizella breweri A common spring and fall migrant in western Nebraska, and a local summer resident in the extreme western Panhandle (at least Sioux County, probably south to Kimball County). An extralimital breeding record also exists for Howard County (Nebraska Bird Review 41:8). Breeding in the Great Plains region is mostly limited to the western parts of the Dakotas as well as the Texas Panhandle and adjacent areas, north locally to extreme southwestern Kansas. Migration: Twenty-seven initial spring sightings range from April 18 to May 21, with a median of May 5. Half of the records fall within the period April 29-May 12. Fifteen final fall records range from August 18 to October 12, with a median of September 7. Habitats: Associated in Nebraska with open scrublands, especially short-grass plains with sagebrush, rabbitbrush, or other semiarid shrubs. Comments: This is a modestly plumaged sparrow that seems to fit in well with its usual sagebrush habitat. Another ecologically separated form nests at timberline in the western mountains; this "timberline sparrow" may deserve to be considered as a separate species. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period. Field Sparrow -- Spizella pusilla A common spring and fall migrant and a locally common summer visitor almost statewide, excepting the Panhandle. Local nesting occurs at least as far west as the eastern end of Lake McConaughy, Keith County. Breeding occurs widely in the Plains States, excepting the drier southwestern areas and northern parts of Minnesota and North Dakota. Migration: Eighty-one initial spring sightings range from February 11 to June 6, with a median of April 20. Half of the records fall within the period April 4-May 6. Eighty-three final fall sightings are from August 1 to December 26, with a median of October 6. Half of the records fall within the period September 23-October 25. Habitats: During the breeding season this species occurs in brushy, open woodlands, forest edges, brushy ravines or draws, sagebrush flats, abandoned hayfields, forest clearings, and similar open habitats having scattered shrubs or low trees. It is similar to the chipping sparrow in its habitat, but depends more on shrubs and less on trees for nesting. Comments: Field sparrows are among the dullest-colored of all grassland sparrows, but their song, a series of whistled notes that increase in pitch and frequency through the series, is unique and may remind one of a Ping-Pong ball bouncing to a stop. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period. Vesper Sparrow -- Pooecetes gramineus A common spring and fall migrant statewide, and a probable regular summer resident over most of the state except that portion lying south of the Platte River. Breeding occurs from North Dakota and Minnesota south to Colorado and Missouri, and migrants are regular in southern portions of the Plains region. Migration: Eighty initial spring sightings are from March 4 to May 24, with a median of April 18. Half of the records fall within the period April 13-27. Eighty-three final fall sightings range from August 13 to November 24, with a median of October 9. Half of the records fall within the period September 26-October 18. Habitats: Migrants and breeding birds frequent overgrown fields, prairie edges, and similar habitats where grasslands join or are mixed with shrubs and scattered low trees. Comments: The well-named vesper sparrow has a sweet song somewhat like that of a song sparrow, but it usually has only two introductory or "grace" notes. Its white outer tail feathers also help to separate it visually from song sparrows. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20-50 or more individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Lark Sparrow -- Chondestes grammacus A common spring and fall migrant statewide and a common summer resident in grasslands throughout Nebraska, but especially in the Sandhills and Panhandle. Breeding occurs widely through the Plains States, excepting the northeastern areas, where the species is a migrant. Migration: The range of 125 initial spring sightings is from April 5 to June 10, with a median of May 5. Half of the records fall within the period April 28-May 13. Seventy-six final fall sightings range from July 23 to November 13, with a median of September 3. Half of the records fall within the period August 22-September 18. Habitats: While in Nebraska this species occupies natural grasslands or weedy fields that adjoin or include scattered trees, shrubs, and weeds. Comments: Lark sparrows are among the most attractive of Nebraska's breeding sparrows. The complex chestnut head markings allow for easy recognition, which is also aided by the white markings on the corners of the tail. Their song is rather lark-like, but always has a few buzzy phrases as if the bird suddenly forgot what it was supposed to be singing and filled in with buzzing interludes. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period. Black-throated Sparrow -- Amphispiza bilineata Accidental . Reported from Sioux County in June of 1972 and Douglas County in the winter of 1973-74 (Nebraska Bird Review 40:72; 42:18). Also observed May 26, l984, near Keystone, Keith County (Rosche & Johnsgard, l984), and photographed near Wakefield, Dixon County, and in Lincoln, Lancaster County, in the winter and spring of l993 (Nebraska Bird Review 64:33). There is a single South Dakota record. (Sage Sparrow) -- Amphispiza belli Hypothetical. Reportly observed at Sowbelly Canyon, Sioux County, August 6, 1989 (Nebraska Bird Review 58:27). Lark Bunting -- Calamospiza melanocorys A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident in western and central Nebraska, or generally west of a line from Nuckolls to Dixon counties, with sporadic breeding farther east, and rarely to northwestern Missouri (Wilson Bulletin 82:465). Breeding also occurs north to North Dakota and south to central Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle. Migration: The range of 104 initial spring sightings is from April 8 to June 10, with a median of May 10. Half of the records fall within the period May 4-16. Sixty-five final fall sightings are from July 20 to October 13, with a median of August 30. Half of the records fall within the period August 20-September 8. Habitats: While in Nebraska this species is usually found in mixed short-grass prairie and sage-dominated areas, but it also occurs in areas of taller grasses with scattered shrubs and along weedy roadsides, in retired croplands, and in fields of alfalfa or clover. Outside the breeding season it is highly gregarious, and it is colonial even during the nesting period. Comments: This is a rather puzzling bird in parts of western Nebraska, such as near Cedar Point Biological Station in Keith County. There it may be very common one year, only to be gone the following one, and return again some years later. Perhaps local precipitation or irrigation patterns cause its periodic appearance and subsequent disappearance. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20-50 or more individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period. Savannah Sparrow -- Passerculus sandwichensis A common spring and fall migrant statewide, and rare or uncommon summer resident north and west of a line from Scotts Bluff County to the southeastern corner of South Dakota, and mainly in the northern Panhandle region. Breeding in the Sandhills seems to be limited to the western and northern parts of this region. The species also breeds throughout the Dakotas and Minnesota and occurs as a migrant in southern parts of the Plains States. Migration: The range of 69 initial spring sightings is from March 17 to June 5, with a median of April 22. Half of the records fall within the period April 15-29. Thirty-eight final spring sightings are from April 10 to May 30, with a median of May 10. Thirty-nine initial fall sightings range from July 28 to October 9, with a median of September 19. Half of the records fall within the period September 5-28. Thirty-nine final fall sightings are from October 2 to November 22, with a median of October 19. Habitats: Migrants are usually found in open grasslands, lightly grazed pastures, and brushy edges. Breeding occurs in wet-meadow zones of wetlands, and in tall to mid-grass prairies. Comments: Savannah sparrows are poorly named, since their breeding habitats certainly do not consist of savannah. Instead, the species was named after Savannah, Georgia. The birds in Nebraska usually have a yellowish area in front of the eyes (the so-called lores), and the tail is much shorter than a song sparrow's or vesper sparrow's. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Baird's Sparrow -- Ammodramus bairdii An uncommon spring and fall migrant over most of Nebraska, but probably less common eastwardly and rare in the extreme eastern counties. Breeding occurs in North Dakota and northern South Dakota, and migrants appear throughout the western portions of the region. Probable breeding in Sioux County, Nebraska, occurred in 1996, when three territorial males were seen (Audubon Society Field Notes 50:967). A singing male was reported from Banner County in 1996 (Brogie, 1997) Migration: The range of 44 spring sightings is from March 24 to June 8, with a median of April 29. Half of the records fall within the period April 19-May 5. Fifteen initial fall sightings are from July 26 to October 21, with a median of September 26. Fifteen final fall sightings are from September 10 to November 11, with a median of October 18. Half of the total fall sightings fall within the period September 23-October 8. Habitats: Migrants are associated with prairies and other natural grasslands. Comments: This is one least abundant but most attractive of the prairie endemic sparrows. It has been declining in recent years, presumably because of losses in prairie habitats. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Grasshopper Sparrow -- Ammodramus savannarum A common spring and fall migrant and summer resident statewide. Breeding occurs widely in the Plains States, excepting the southwestern areas, where the species occurs as a migrant. Migration: The range of 85 initial spring sightings is from March 14 to June 10, with a median of May 6. Half of the records fall within the period April 27-May 15. Sixty-seven final fall sightings range from July 26 to November 6, with a median of September 9. Half of the records fall within the period August 12-September 29. Habitats: Migrants and breeding birds occur in mixed-grass prairies, pasturelands, short-grass prairies, sage prairies, and to a limited extent tall-grass prairies. Areas that have grown up to shrubs are avoided, but scattered trees in grassland are sometimes used for song perches. Comments: Few grassland sparrows in Nebraska can be as common as the grasshopper sparrow, but it is so secretive that one can be in the field all day without seeing the species. Yet, its grasshopper-like buzz may be evident almost everywhere, and if seen its rather large beak and striped head pattern is quite distinctive. The birds feed largely on grasshoppers during their time in Nebraska, which might help account for their strong beak. Nationally the species population has declined 66 percent since 1966. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20-50 or more individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period. Henslow's Sparrow -- Ammodramus henslowii An occasional spring and fall migrant and summer resident in eastern Nebraska. Most records are for Adams and Webster counties, but the species has been seen west to Lincoln, Logan and Keith counties. Probable breeding records are limited to Lancaster and Washington counties. It also breeds in southern Minnesota, western Iowa, and eastern Kansas, and it migrates through eastern Oklahoma. Migration: Twenty-one initial spring sightings range from April 6 to May 29, with a median of April 29. Half of the records fall within the period April 25-Mary 4. Thirteen final fall sightings are from August 5 to October 23, with a median of September 26. Habitats: While in Nebraska this species is found in weedy pastures and meadows, neglected grassy fields, and pasturelands, especially those that are low-lying and rather damp. Scattered low bushes are also often present in breeding habitats, and provide song perches, but nesting is done on the ground. Comments: The development of the CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) in southeastern Nebraska has evidently helped this rare resident. It seems to favor overgown, weedy fields that result from letting land lie fallow for several years. However, nationally the species has declined by 93 percent during the past three decades, and may soon be a candidate for the endangered species list. LeConte's Sparrow -- Ammospiza leconteii An inconspicuous but regular and probably uncommon spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, rare or absent westwardly. Breeding occurs in North Dakota and northern Minnesota, and migrants are found in the eastern portions of the Plains region. Migration: Fifty-four initial spring sightings are from April 1 to June 7, with a median of April 29. Half of the records fall within the period April 21-May 8. Thirteen final spring sightings are from April 17 to May 19, with a median of May 2. Twenty-one initial fall sightings are from July 25 to October 15, with a median of September 22. Seventeen final fall sightings are from July 26 to November 9, with a median of October 20. Habitats: Migrants are found in wet meadows and marshy edges with sedges, cattails, and deep grasses. Comments: This is one of those hard-to-see sparrows that are highly memorable. On rare occasions one perches on the tops of marshy grasses long enough to see and appreciate its rich golden eye-stripe and heavily striped head and back. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population increase during that period. Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow -- Ammospiza caudacuta An inconspicuous and seemingly rare spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, with relatively few records available. Most of the sightings are from the eastern half of the state, but it has been seen west to Custer, Cherry, and Sheridan counties. It has been reported more often in Lancaster County than elsewhere in the state. Breeding occurs in North Dakota and adjacent areas, and migrants occur in eastern portions of the region. Migration: Five spring sightings are from March 29 to May 30, with a mean of May 5. Three of the records are for the month of May. Eight fall records are from September 7 to October 18, with a mean of Septmber 30. Five of the records are for the month of October. Habitats: Migrants are found along the wet edges of marshes and sloughs, usually in even wetter habitats than those used by the LeConte's sparrow. Comments: Perhaps even harder to see than the LeConte's sparrow, the Nelson's sharp-tail is also a bird of dense, marshy vegetation. It is even more golden-tinted than the LeConte's, but has a dark brown crown rather than a strongly striped one. Fox Sparrow -- Passerella iliaca A spring and fall migrant statewide, ranging from common to uncommon in eastern areas to rare or very rare in western parts of the state. Also occurs throughout the Plains States as a migrant or wintering form, becoming vary rare westwardly. Migration: Fifty-three initial spring sightings are from January 4 to June 4, with a median of March 30. Half of the records fall within the period March 17-April 18. Twenty-two final spring sightings are from April 1 to April 23, with a median of April 10. Thirty-one initial fall records are from August 2 to November 11, with a median of October 11. Half of the records fall within the period October 5-17. Twenty-eight final fall sightings are from August 18 to December 31, with a median of November 11. Habitats: Migrants are usually associated with brushy woodlands, streamside thickets and sometimes residential shrubbery. Comments: The fox sparrow is perfectly named; it has an overall fox-brown plumage cast, and it moves about secretively on the ground, usually in fairly dense cover, where it scratches towhee-like for food. It looks something like an oversized song sparrow, as its breast is patterned in a similar way, and its tail is fairly long. Song Sparrow -- Melospiza melodia A common spring and fall migrant and uncommon winter visitor statewide, and a local summer resident. Breeding appears to be quite local, and is probably limited to the northern and eastern parts of the state. There are recent nesting records for Hall, Phelps and Lancaster counties, and earlier ones to Webster and Nemaha counties. Breeding occurs from North Dakota and Minnesota southward to Colorado and northeastern Kansas, and migrants are regular to the south of these areas. Migration: Forty-five initial spring sightings are from January 1 to June 6, with a median of April 8. Forty-five final spring sightings are from January 12 to June 3, with a median of April 30. Seventy-six initial fall sightings are from August 2 to November 2, with a median of September 30. Forty-four final fall sightings are from October 6 to December 31, with a median of December 20. The data suggest that this species commonly overwinters in Nebraska, and that its migration tendencies are very poorly defined. Habitats: Migrants and wintering birds occur in weedy areas, thickets and streamside woodland edges. Breeding occurs in similar habitats, including forest margins, shrubby swamps, the brushy edges of ponds, shelterbelts, farmsteads and the like. Comments: One of the most appealing of Nebraska's native sparrows, the song sparrow's typical song begins like Beethoven's third symphony, with three carefully spaced introductory whistles, followed by a melodious phrase. It pumps its longish tail in flight, and has a blotchy spot in the middle of its streaked breast. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period. Lincoln's Sparrow -- Melospiza lincolnii A common spring and fall migrant statewide. Also occurs throughout the other Plains States as a migrant or wintering species. Migration: Ninety-four initial spring sightings are from January 2 to May 29, with a median of April 26. Half of the records fall within the period April 19-May 7. Sixty-two final spring sightings are from April 20 to May 31, with a median of May 13. Forty-eight initial fall sightings are from September 2 to October 12, with a median of September 15. Half of the records fall within the period September 7-17. Twenty-five final fall sightings are from September 20 to December 29, with a median of October 19. Habitats: Migrants are associated with streamside thickets, thick weedy areas, and other rather dense grassy or weedy areas close to water, occurring less frequently in residential shrubbery. Comments: The Lincoln's sparrow was not named after Abraham Lincoln, but instead after a young field assistant of John James Audubon, who thus certainly was one of the youngest persons ever to have a bird named after him. The grayish cheeks of this species help to identify it, and its breast also has a soft gray breast-band. Swamp Sparrow -- Melospiza georgiana A spring and fall migrant statewide, ranging from uncommon in eastern counties to very rare in western areas. It is a rare and local summer resident in several areas, apparently including Antelope, Sheridan, Howard, Phelps and Garden counties, and probably also in suitable habitats along the Missouri River. Breeding occurs in Minnesota and the eastern portions of the Dakotas, and migrants are regular in eastern portions of the region. Migration: Thirty-three initial spring sightings are from March 30 to June 6, with a median of April 23. Half of the records fall within the period April 10-30. Fourteen final spring sightings are from April 13 to May 25, with a median of May 7. Nineteen initial fall sightings are from July 21 to October 21, with a median of September 30. Thirteen final fall sightings are from October 2 to December 29, with a median of October 24. Habitats: Migrants are found in marshy areas, and during the breeding season nesting occurs in marshes or other wetlands having such vegetation as cattails, phragmites, and shrubs or small trees. Comments: This is a semi-colonial nester whose habitat needs seemingly limit it to only a few known nesting locations in Nebraska. It rather strongly resembles a chipping sparrow, but its trilled song is slower and more melodious. White-throated Sparrow -- Zonotrichia albicollis A spring and fall migrant statewide, common in eastern Nebraska and becoming uncommon to rare westwardly, and a locally common winter visitor. The species breeds in northern parts of North Dakota and Minnesota, and throughout the entire Plains region as a migrant or wintering form. Migration: Sixty-five initial fall sightings range from September 18 to November 25, with a median of October 3. Half of the records fall within the period September 25-October 5. Fifty-two final spring sightings are from February 2 to June 4, with a median of May 12. Half of the records fall within the period May 6-17. Habitats: Migrants are associated with woodland edges, thickets, weedy fields, and sheltered areas near water, sometimes coming to feeding stations during winter. Comments: People who feed birds through the winter soon come to recognize this rather robust sparrow; in Nebraska many of these white-throated birds have a golden cast in the loral area in front of the eyes. Its beak is pinker and its throat whiter than in the similar white-crowned sparrow. Harris' Sparrow -- Zonotrichia querula A spring and fall migrant statewide, abundant in eastern counties and common farther west. Wintering is regular in the southern parts of the state. The species occurs throughout the entire Plains region as a migrant or wintering form. Migration: The range of 115 initial fall sightings is from August 13 to December 31, with a median of October 14. Half of the records fall within the period October 4-22. Ninety-five final spring sightings are from February 8 to June 10, with a median of May 12. Half of the records fall within the period May 9-16. Habitats: Migrants and wintering birds occur in rural, suburban or urban areas having shrubs, low trees and tall weedy plants, often near streamside woodland edges or thickets. Comments: Nebraskans can count themselves lucky for being in the heart of the migratory route of the Harris' sparrow. It is the largest of the "crowned" sparrows, and one of the prettiest, with a variably black throat during winter (the black gradually increasing in extent during spring), and a bright pink beak. White-crowned Sparrow -- Zonotrichia leucophrys A common spring and fall migrant statewide, and a locally common winter visitor. The species occurs throughout the entire region as a migrant or wintering form. Migration: Ninety-eight initial fall sightings range from August 25 to December 29, with a median of October 3. Half of the records fall within the period September 21-October 16. Eighty-two final spring sightings are from February 1 to May 27, with a median of May 15. Half of the records fall within the period May 2-8. Habitats: Migrants are associated with thickets, woodland edges, and weedy areas, sometimes moving to farmyards and feeding stations in winter. Comments: About the same size as the white-throated sparrow, this species has a more grayish throat but a whiter beak than does the white-throated sparrow. Both come to winter feeders, but in Nebraska the white-crowned is much rarer under such conditions. Golden-crowned Sparrow -- Zonotrichia atricapilla Accidental . One was banded in Thomas County in May of 1950, one was seen repeatedly in eastern Cherry County in April of 1962, one was reported in Scotts Bluff County in May of 1966, one was observed in McPherson County in October 1966 (Nebraska Bird Review 18:68; 35:24; 34:70). Erroneously reported in the 1979 Christmas Count from Scotts Bluff. Dark-eyed Junco -- Junco hyemalis A common migrant and winter visitor statewide, and a local summer resident in the Pine Ridge area of Sioux and Dawes counties. The species also breeds in western South Dakota and Minnesota, and occurs throughout the area during migration or winter. The gray-headed race caniceps is an irregular and occasional winter visitor in eastern Nebraska, sometimes occurring as far east as Lincoln, Webster, Adams and Lancaster counties, and the somewhat larger and paler white-winged race is a breeder in the Black Hills. Migration: The range of 105 initial fall sightings is from September 1 to December 31, with a median of October 6. Half of the records fall within the period September 26-October 15. Seventy-five final spring sightings are from January 1 to May 20, with a median of April 15. Half of the records fall within the period March 27-April 25. . Four initial fall sightings of caniceps are from September 21 to October 21, with a mean of October 3. Twenty final spring sightings are from January 1 to May 18, with a median of March 23. Habitats: Migrants and wintering birds are widely distributed in woodlands, suburbs and residential areas, foraging on the ground and often visiting feeding stations. Breeding in the Black Hills occurs in coniferous forests, aspen groves and deciduous woodlands in hollows, canyons and gulches, and probably similar habitats are used in the Pine Ridge region. Comments: One of the commonest of Nebraska's wintering sparrows, the dark-eyed junco often betrays its identity by flashing its white outer tail feathers as it is flushed and disappears into heavy cover. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. McCown's Longspur -- Calcarius mccownii A migrant and winter visitor over most of Nebraska, common to uncommon in the west, becoming rarer eastwardly but occasionally seen in extreme eastern counties. A summer resident in the Panhandle, from the southern boundary of Sioux County north of the Pine Ridge escarpment and west to the Wyoming line. Has bred in South Dakota. Breeding also occurs in western North Dakota and eastern Colorado, and migrants are regular in western portions of the entire region. Migration: Twenty-six initial spring sightings in northwestern Nebraska are from March 16 to May 21, with a median of April 3. Six final fall sightings are from September 5 to November 26, with a mean of October 1. Elsewhere in the state this species is a spring and fall migrant, and sometimes a winter visitor, so its migration status statewide is impossible to summarize easily. Habitats: Migrants inhabit short-grass plains, pasture lands, and plowed fields. Breeding occurs in short-grass and mixed grass prairies, stubble fields, and newly sprouted grain fields. Comments: This is one of Nebraska's two breeding longspur species. Both have distinctive white tail markings that are evident only during flight, and both have song-flight displays performed above the male's breeding territory. In this species the dark underparts are highly visible during such aerial display; the birds resemble giant blackish butterflies as they hover above the ground in full song. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period. Lapland Longspur -- Calcarius lapponicus A locally common migrant and winter visitor statewide, probably the commonest of the longspurs in Nebraska during winter. The species occurs as a migrant or winter visitor nearly throughout the Plains region, but is rarer southwardly. Migration: Fifty-six initial fall sightings are from September 25 to December 31, with a median of November 12. Half of the records fall within the period October 25-November 21. Forty-four final spring records are from January 3 to May 10, with a median of February 27. Half of the records fall within the period February 24-March 23. Habitats: Migrants and wintering birds occur in open, grassy plains, stubble fields, overgrazed pastures, and similar grassy or low-stature habitats. Comments: One should look for Lapland longspurs in open fields that are at least partly snow-free, or along the sides of gravel roads that also are free of snow. There flocks of longspurs may mingle with horned larks, trying to find small seeds on which to survive. Smith's Longspur -- Calcarius pictus A rare to occasional migrant and winter visitor, mainly in east-central Nebraska, with the largest number of records from Adams and Webster counties. It has been reported east to Lancaster County and west to Sioux and Scotts Bluff counties. It is also a local migrant or winter resident in the Dakotas, Kansas, and Oklahoma, but is rare or absent from Colorado and New Mexico. Migration: Ten fall sightings range from September 18 to December 17, with a median of November 5. Six spring records are from February 5 to May 22, with a mean of April 8. Habitats: Migrants are associated with open grassy plains and pastures, preferring those covered by thick, short grass, including airports. Comments: This is another wintering longspur, which is more uniformly brown than the others, at least during the season that they are present in Nenbraska. Chestnut-collared Longspur -- Calcarius ornatus A migrant and winter visitor over most of Nebraska, ranging from common in the west to occasional in the eastern part of the state, and a summer resident in the northwestern corner of the state, from southern Sioux and Box Butte counties northeastwardly to Sheridan County and perhaps northern Cherry County. It also breeds in the Dakotas and western Minnesota and occurs throughout the region as a migrant or winter visitor. Migration: Thirty initial spring sightings in northwestern Nebraska are from March 18 to June 3, with a median of April 12. Sixteen final fall sightings are from September 22 to October 22, with a median of October 8. Like the McCown's longspur, the migration pattern of this species is extremely difficult to estimate in Nebraska, since in various areas it may be a summer resident, a spring and fall migrant, or a winter visitor. Habitats: Migrants and wintering birds occur on open plains and grassy fields, including airports. Breeding usually occurs on short-grass or cut mixed-grass prairies, and less frequently in the low meadow zones around ponds, and disturbed grasslands such as grazed pasture lands. Comments: Although it breeds in some of the same areas as the chestnut-collared longspur, this species is predominantly white-colored on its underparts, and displaying males have a much different visual aspect when displaying overhead. Its song is an extended rattle, and quite different from the chestnut-collared double-syllable "kettle" note. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20 to more than 50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period. Snow Bunting -- Plectrophenax nivalis A rare winter visitor to Nebraska, appearing only very irregularly and probably mainly in northern counties. It is a regular winter visitor in the Dakotas, but is rare or absent south of Nebraska. Migration: Eleven initial fall sightings are from October 19 to December 24, with a median of November 16. Thirty-one final spring sightings are from January 1 to March 23, with a median of February 10. Habitats: Migrants and wintering birds are associated with open plains and snow-covered fields. Comments: This mostly white sparrow is appropriately colored for the arctic, but tends to be conspicuous on bare plowed fields. It only infrequently migrates south of the winter snow-line.

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THE BIRDS OF NEBRASKAAND ADJACENT PLAINS STATESPaul A. Johnsgard

THE BIRDS OF NEBRASKA
AND ADJACENT PLAINS STATES
Paul A. Johnsgard